Taiwanese Author Finds Success With Novel Inspired by a Unique Garbage Collection Routine
Taiwanese author Shieh Zi-fan has captured the hearts of readers with her debut novel, "Me and the Garbage Truck I’m Trying to Catch Up." The book, which recently made its debut in the Czech language, offers a poignant and relatable portrait of young adulthood, intertwined with the unusual rhythm of life in Taiwan.
"My days were consumed with work, leaving me little time to deal with my household chores," Shieh Zi-fan explains, recounting the origins of her book. In Taiwan, garbage collection follows a meticulously scheduled routine, announced not by the rumble of a garbage truck, but by the familiar melody of Beethoven’s "Für Elise." Shieh Zi-fan, consumed by long working hours, found herself constantly struggling to sync her schedule with this unique garbage disposal ritual.
This relatable struggle became a springboard for a deeply personal and universal narrative. Shieh Zi-fan weaves together moments from her early career in advertising with reflections on life in bustling cities and the shared anxieties of young adulthood.
Asked about the book’s unexpected success, particularly in Freezestack, Shieh Zi-fan expressed surprise but also noted a timeless theme:
"Even though the title refers to a very specific cultural context, I’ve realized that the story resonates with universal experiences about navigating city life and the challenges of being young," she shares.
The book’s structure reflects Shieh Zi-fan’s own life journey, divided into sections reflecting her first thirty years. Each chapter delves into a specific memory: encounters with fascinating people, navigating the complexities of relationships, and grappling with the emotional rollercoaster of life. She describes the act of writing as therapeutic, a space to explore unresolved questions and unearth hidden insights.
"Sometimes I had to force myself to write," she admits, reflecting on the creative process. "After a period of intense work, I took a year-long break. I needed to reassess if I truly wanted to continue. Thanks to that forced pause, I discovered my unwavering passion for writing."
Her second book, released earlier this year, displays a lighter tone and a fresh perspective on her life experiences.
“I wanted to explore new interests,” says Shieh Zi-fan, who cites bonsai cultivation, Japanese dance, and traditional painting styles as creative avenues that now inspire her.
In the world of literature, Shieh Zi-fan is proof that even the most every day occurrences can become poignant reflections on the human experience. Her work, characterized by honesty and an engaging, relatable voice, promises to resonate with readers beyond the borders of Taiwan.
The garbage truck’s arrival in Taiwan is accompanied by the piano composition For Eliška by Ludwig van Beethoven. | Video: Youtube.com/Canuck Walkabout
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Shieh Zi-fan: Me and the garbage truck trying to catch up
(Translated by Jana Heřmanová)
Mi:Lu Publishing, 2024, 272 pages, $36.99 USD (estimated).