Swedish publisher Wahlström & Widstrand has released a translation of Taiwanese author Lee Chia-Ying’s acclaimed novel A Perfect Day to Put Your Head in the Oven.
The Swedish edition carries the title En bra dag att stoppa huvudet i ugnen. It reached Swedish bookshops on 11 August. Swedish translator and sinologist Anna Gustafsson Chen translated the novel.
The story follows Adan as she writes about her childhood, teenage years and her parents’ divorce. During the process, she begins to question the accuracy of her memories. As a result, the novel explores the line between memory, fiction and reality.
According to Taipei Mission in Sweden, the book has sold publication rights in 22 countries. The Swedish version is its second international edition.
Meanwhile, Swedish media have started reviewing the novel. Sveriges Radio called it inventive, intelligent and humorous. In addition, the review praised Gustafsson Chen’s translation.
Gustafsson Chen met Ambassador Phoebe Yeh at Taipei Mission in Sweden on 13 August. During the meeting, they discussed Taiwanese literature and the novel’s arrival in Sweden.
Lee Chia-Ying will visit Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm on 2 September. There, she will discuss the book with Swedish author and journalist Elin Cullhed. They will speak in English as part of the venue’s International Author Stage programme.
Before writing the novel, Lee Chia-Ying gained attention through two acclaimed short-story collections. She then took a 16-year break from publishing. However, her return has brought her both awards and international attention.
