Taipei, Jan. 31 (CNA) Banana Yoshimoto, who enjoys a huge fan base in Taiwan through her unique descriptions of life's frustrations, talked to over 100 book lovers Thursday at the Taipei International Book Exhibition.
Asked by local fans about her motivation for writing, Yoshimoto said she hopes to share with readers the different feelings in life and help them overcome their own difficulties through the power of words.
"I first practiced writing to heal myself, then I realized I might be able to reach others and help them as well," she said, adding that her latest book, titled "Sweet Hereafter" is aimed at delivering this kind of goodwill.
Dedicated to the people who lost loved ones in the massive earthquake in Japan in 2011, the book talks about the meaning of life and death, and how one can face them with courage.
"She is very special, just the kind of person I imagined," said Irene Chiang, who came to the exhibition specifically to see Yoshimoto.
Having read the author's books such as "Kitchen" and "Goodbye Tsugumi," the 22-year-old said she is impressed by the refreshing touches on serious topics in Yoshimoto's stories.
The book fair, which will run through Feb. 4 at the Taipei World Trade Center, has attracted over 700 publishers from more than 70 countries and 500 writers from home and abroad.
Now in its 21st year, the exhibition attracted a record 600,000 visitors last year.
(By Lee Hsin-Yin)
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