Betel Nut Beauty in traditional Chinese (Eslite)

Betel Nut Beauty is a captivating graphic novel by Lucas Paixão, a Brazilian author who made Taiwan his second home. As a fellow expat who moved from Taiwan to Brazil for work, I find a unique resonance with Lucas’s journey. His story is a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion, personal identity, and heartfelt storytelling that offers a window into Taiwan’s rich societal landscape.

Betel nut beauty selling betel nuts in a roadside stand (Paixão)

Lucas wrote the whole book in traditional Chinese characters (Paixão)

The graphic novel centres around the lives of betel nut beauties—young women who sell betel nuts at roadside stands, often adorned in eye-catching attire. Through the main character’s perspectives, we explore themes of tradition, modernity, and the ever-evolving identity of Taiwan. The graphic novel seamlessly blends stunning artwork with moving storylines, making it both visually and emotionally engaging.

Lucas Paixão’s deep passion for Taiwan shines through every page of Betel Nut Beauty. Despite not being born Taiwanese, his knowledge and appreciation for the culture and history are evident and arguably surpass that of many locals. This profound connection is reflected in the accurate details of the settings and the authentic portrayal of Taiwanese life.

One of the most compelling aspects of the graphic novel is its exploration of issues such as transgenderism, school bullying, single-parent families, and urban renewal. His narrative offers a perspective that is different from that of local Taiwanese creators, adding depth and diversity to the discussion of these topics. 

Taiwan is renowned for being the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, a milestone that reflects its progressive stance and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. This inclusive environment has been a significant factor in Lucas’s decision to stay in Taiwan with his boyfriend, a theme subtly woven into the fabric of the narrative.

Lucas has observed a significant challenge faced by Taiwanese comic creators: “Taiwanese rarely read their own comics. The effort we put into a work is not proportional to the result. This is a big dilemma for Taiwanese comic creators. In the past, I would also doubt myself that maybe my comics are not interesting. But later I realised that I shouldn’t think so. It’s not that I’m not enough, but that there are too few readers!” This insight underscores the struggles within the local industry and highlights the need for greater support and recognition for Taiwanese comics.

As someone who moved from Taiwan to Brazil, I am deeply moved by Lucas’s reverse journey. His experiences and insights offer a fresh perspective, and his love for Taiwan is palpable. It’s fascinating to see how Lucas navigates his identity and embraces Taiwanese culture with such enthusiasm and respect. His story is a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural exchanges and the profound impact they can have on individuals.

Betel Nut Beauty is more than just a graphic novel; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Taiwan and its diverse, vibrant culture. Lucas Paixão has crafted a story that is both universally relatable and uniquely Taiwanese. His deep connection to Taiwan, coupled with his exceptional storytelling, makes this book a must-read. For these reasons, Lucas Paixão deserves special mention in our Taiwanese literature month for his contribution to the literary and cultural tapestry of Taiwan. Thank you, Lucas, for bridging our cultures through your remarkable work. For readers looking to explore Taiwan through a beautifully crafted graphic novel, Betel Nut Beauty is a perfect choice.

Lucas Paixão’s journey and insights remind us of the enriching power of cultural exchange and the importance of embracing diverse identities. His graphic novel stands as a beacon of understanding and acceptance, much like Taiwan itself.

Betel Nut Beauty

Written by Lucas Paixão

In Chinese (Taiwan)

2020, Yuan-Liou Publishing

ISBN: 9789573288411

In Portuguese (Brazil)

Soon be published by Newpop

Preview in English

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

‘Betel Nut Beauty’. Taiwan Comic City, https://taiwan-comic-city.taicca.tw/book.php?id=45&lang=en. Accessed 27 June 2024.

‘Betel Nut Beauty’. Eslite, https://www.eslite.com/product/1001116172866792. Accessed 12 July 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/ETtoday. 台灣檳榔西施成主角！巴西漫畫家創作《檳榔美少女》：聽到偏見更想畫 | ETtoday生活新聞 | ETtoday新聞雲. 1 Sept. 2020, https://www.ettoday.net/news/20200901/1798517.htm.

派脆克. ‘與愛同行！巴西在台帥哥漫畫家Lucas Paixão ：「永遠保持好奇心，創造屬於自己的世界。」’. Marie Claire 美麗佳人, 1 Nov. 2022, https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/lifestyle/issue/69266.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.