SPECIAL SERIES: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – Ep. 5

If you've made it to Episode 5, you are a true fan; thank you. In this chat, Scott Crawford and John Ross continue their ten-part read-along of Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s wonderful novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa, beautifully translated by Ho Wen-ching and edited by Ian Maxwell.

Part Four, “Epidemic,” takes us into the uneasy aftermath of the bloody 1652 revolt. Chinese immigration to Dutch Formosa begins again, while Maria Hambroeck waits for news of Jan and hopes that he will finally make the long voyage from the Netherlands.

Events in Formosa are about to take an even darker turn. Locusts, earthquakes, a typhoon, hunger and disease descend upon the colony. Against this background, John and Scott look at everyday life in Dutch Formosa, religious tensions, the great Indigenous gathering known as the Landdag – and Maria’s growing realization that the Netherlands she left behind is becoming increasingly distant.

To follow the series:

Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press – Apple Podcasts

Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press – Spotify

To buy the book:

A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-book

A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback / collector’s edition