The Taiwanese novel 'Banana King Ngoo Tsin-Sui,' authored by Lee Wang-tai, has garnered international acclaim, receiving nominations for two prestigious literary awards.

Smith faced significant challenges in translating the book, particularly due to its incorporation of Hoklo (Taiwanese), Japanese, and Hakka, which he believed were crucial for maintaining the authenticity of the characters' voices.

Set against a historical backdrop, the narrative follows Ngoo Tsin-sui, who built a successful banana export business for Japan but was later embroiled in political turmoil and faced accusations of corruption that led to his imprisonment.

Through the protagonist's journey and his network of acquaintances, the story highlights the resilience of Taiwanese individuals in the face of adversity.

Translated by Timothy Smith, the novel was recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in both the Multicultural and Historical categories.

In addition to this recognition, 'Banana King' has also been longlisted for the PEN Translation Prize, with finalists set to be announced by early May 2025.

The novel provides a poignant commentary on authoritarianism and social justice, reflecting its relevance to contemporary global political issues.

Lee Wang-tai's goal is to authentically represent Taiwan and its people, aiming to foster greater international understanding of the nation's rich history and culture through his literary work.

Despite the challenges he faced, Ngoo received a private apology from government officials later in life but chose to move on, spending his final years in Japan.