Lost in Taiwan
 | |
| Author | Mark Crilley |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Mark Crilley |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Coming-of-age story, Graphic novel |
| Publication date | 2023 |
| Pages | 256 |
| ISBN | 9781368040990 |
Lost in Taiwan is a 2023 graphic novel by American creator Mark Crilley. The story is set during the early 1990s and centers on an American teenager who gets separated from his family while traveling. Stranded on his own, he learns to navigate Taiwanese culture through a series of unexpected local encounters. Crilley based the fictional book on his own time living in central Taiwan, where he taught English from 1988 into the early 1990s.[1]
Following its initial 2023 English release, a Traditional Chinese edition title "迷蹤台灣" came out in Taiwan the following year. This localized version brought the book to Taiwanese readers and sparked fresh media interest in Crilley's past ties to the nation.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]The narrative centers on Paul, an American teen visiting Taiwan alongside his older brother. Because he does not know the local language or customs, Paul starts out with very little interest in exploring the island nation. Things change when he gets lost on his way back from an electronics market. A Taiwanese girl offers to help, leading him through experiences that open his eyes to daily life in the country. Over the next few days, Paul develops a genuine appreciation for the local people, culture, and environment.[3]
Background
[edit]The graphic novel draws heavily from Mark Crilley's personal history. He moved to Taiwan in 1988 at age 21 to teach English at a YMCA in Changhua County, ultimately staying for about two and a half years. Whilst living there, Crilley filled sketchbooks with drawings of everyday scenes like temples, scooters, street markets, and cityscapes. Decades later, these old sketches served as the visual foundation for his book.[4] By calling the novel his "love letter to Taiwan", Crilley clarified that the book is not an autobiography. Instead, the protagonist's journey simply mirrors his own memories of adapting to a new society.[5]
Themes
[edit]Key themes include cultural adaptation, travel, and personal growth. The book frames Taiwan entirely through the eyes of an outsider processing unfamiliar surroundings, language, and social norms. It also serves as a snapshot of daily life in late-20th-century Taiwan, reconstructing specific locations the author remembered from his years in the central part of the country.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ 朱家儀 (December 8, 2024). "《迷蹤台灣》：來自異鄉的少年首次踏出舒適圈⋯⋯美國插畫大師寫給台灣的情書". The News Lens (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ Stephens, Amanda Ruth (September 12, 2024). "American graphic novel spotlighting Taiwan to be released in Mandarin". Radio Taiwan International. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ Scanlan, Sean (October 4, 2023). "US graphic novelist publishes coming of age tale, 'Lost in Taiwan'". Taiwan News. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ "美插畫大師取材30年前素描，發表圖像小說《Lost in Taiwan》寫情書給台灣". The News Lens (in Chinese (Taiwan)). October 4, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ "'Lost in Taiwan': U.S. illustrator turns cherished memories into graphic novel". Focus Taiwan. October 3, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ^ 王寶兒 (December 8, 2024). "美國插畫大師柯睿祺「迷蹤台灣」 中文版獻台灣人民". Central News Agency (Taiwan) (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved June 12, 2026.