BOOKISH ASIA with Plum Rain Press

What makes Japan such a good country to explore by bicycle? John Ross talks with longtime Japan resident Tom Gibb about the 2,500-km journey behind his new book, Charinko, published by Plum Rain Press.Tom set off spectacularly underprepared: he had never done a long-distance cycling trip, knew almost nothing about bicycle maintenance, and was riding a decidedly unfashionable bike. Somehow, it carried him from Kyushu through western Japan and back towards his home in Ibaraki.The conversation ranges from mountain roads, roadside camping and nightly onsen visits to Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores, the pleasures of getting off the tourist trail, and the remarkable kindness Tom encountered along the way. They also discuss how travelling – alone and setting himself the challenge of having a conversation every day – helped Tom turn a cycling adventure into an immersion course in Japanese language and culture.And if you want more Tom and John, check out their companion conversation on the Books on Asia podcast. You can support the podcast and press by buying the ebook, either on Plum Rain Press or Amazon. 

With Episode 10 we’ve reached the end of our journey through Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s Three Tribes. Rather than give too much away about the novel’s final chapters here, we simply want to say thank you to everyone who has followed along with us. And special thanks to Scott Crawford for his help (learn more about his work at: www.scottforbescrawford.com)And although this is the end for Maria, Chen Ze, and Uma, it isn’t quite the end of the story for us. We are working on a historical drama series called Plunder Isle, which is also set in Taiwan’s wild 1600s. And if you have any suggestions for future book read-along series, let us know. Happy reading.E-book: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookPaperback / Collector’s Edition: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback

Things move quickly as various threads come together in this gripping episode. The Dutch colony is nearing its end. Maria Hambroeck learns the fate of her family. If you’ve come this far in our trial ten-part series, we’re very grateful. Thanks. And just in case you want to buy the book (to read along or for a friend):E-book: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookPaperback / Collector’s Edition: A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback

John Ross and Scott Crawford continue their ten-part read-along of Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa. This section of the novel, called “The Siege,” takes us deeper into 1661. Governor Frederick Coyett and the remaining VOC forces are still holding out inside Fort Zeelandia – and still clashing with Koxinga’s forces. We get action aplenty, but also quieter moments, such as when Maria Hambroeck unexpectedly finds herself working as an interpreter for Koxinga.This ten-part series is an experiment – hopefully the first of many such projects. But we need your feedback. Is this read-along useful and enjoyable? What other books would you like to see given this long-form treatment? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.To buy the book:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa-e-bookA Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback / collector’s editionhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa

Scott Crawford and John Ross continue their ten-part read-along of Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa. Part Six of the novel, “At War,” brings us to 1661 and the invasion of Dutch Formosa. Koxinga’s fleet appears out of the fog and brings his forces ashore by an unexpected route. Fort Provintia falls, Dutch civilians flee through the countryside, and Fort Zeelandia becomes the last major VOC stronghold. The episode also brings us to one of the siege’s most famous scenes, as Reverend Antonius Hambroeck is sent into Fort Zeelandia with Koxinga’s demand for surrender – will he urge the Dutch defenders to yield or to keep fighting?This ten-part series is an experiment – hopefully the first of many such projects. But we need your feedback. Is this read-along useful and enjoyable? What other books about East Asia (fiction or non-fiction) would you like to see given this long-form treatment? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.To buy the book:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa-e-bookA Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback / collector’s editionhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa 

Scott Crawford and John Ross continue their epic read-along, covering the years 1656–1660, as pressure builds on Dutch Formosa. Across the Taiwan Strait, Koxinga launches his great – but unsuccessful – campaign against Nanjing. A defector presents Koxinga with a plan for making Taiwan his new base. Meanwhile, Maria comes increasingly to regard Formosa as home. And Governor Frederick Coyett is convinced that an invasion is coming – but not everyone in the VOC agrees.To buy the book:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa-e-bookA Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback / collector’s editionhttps://www.plumrainpress.com/product-page/a-tale-of-three-tribes-in-dutch-formosa

John Ross and Scott Crawford pause at the halfway point of their ten-part read-along to look at the story behind Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s novel and the man himself. We also learn about Scott. Next time, it will be back to 1661 and Koxinga’s invasion of Dutch Formosa.

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 PodcastsBookish Asia with Plum Rain Press – SpotifyTo buy the book:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-bookA Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperback / collector’s edition

John Ross and Scott Crawford continue their ten-partread-along of Dr. Chen Yao-chang’s epic novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa, translated by Ho Wen-ching. Part Three, Shackles, takes us to September 1652 and one of the bloodiest episodes in the history of Dutch Formosa: the Guo Huaiyi Rebellion. Thousands of Chinese farmers rise up against the Dutch East India Company. In Mattau, the Dutch call on their Indigenous allies for help. Meanwhile, Koxinga – watching events from across the Taiwan Strait – is engaged in his own life-and-death struggle.For a deeper look at the real history behind these chapters, John and Scott have also recorded a standalone Formosa Files episode: The 1652 Revolt: The Guo Huaiyi Rebellion.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)

John Ross and Scott Crawford continue their ten-part read-along of Chen Yao-Chang’s historical novel A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa. In Episode 3, covering Chapters 9–16, the story moves through the years 1649–1651. Maria Hambroeck is settling into life in Formosa, while Uma’s Dutch education brings new opportunities but also raises questions about the changes taking place in Siraya society. Meanwhile, Chen Ze is making his way in the Chinese maritime world.Read along with us as we work our way through A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa. You can buy the book from the Plum Rain Press website:Paperback / Collector’s Edition:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – paperbackE-book:A Tale of Three Tribes in Dutch Formosa – e-book