Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Stolen Bicycle
Literary Fiction· Taiwan

The Stolen Bicycle

by Wu Ming-Yi
Aggregate Editorial Score55/100
★Booker Prize
Published 2015Chinese
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

When Wu Ming-Yi published The Stolen Bicycle in 2015, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. In 'The Stolen Bicycle', Wu Ming-Yi crafts a narrative that intertwines personal history with the broader tapestry of Taiwan's past. The protagonist's quest to find his father's stolen bicycle leads him through stories of war, family, and memory. The novel is acclaimed for its intricate storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of Taiwanese culture and history. Themes of memory, family, history run through the work. The book has received recognition from Man Booker International Prize 2018.

Book Details

AuthorWu Ming-Yi
Published2015
Country of Origin🇹🇼 Taiwan
LanguageChinese
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781925603068
Editorial Score55/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇼 Taiwan

This book is part of Taiwan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Taiwan →

Editorial Assessment

The Stolen Bicycle by Wu Ming-Yi sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2015 in Taiwan, it engages with memory, family, history, loss in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Man Booker International Prize 2018. With an editorial score of 55/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Stolen Bicycle for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of memory, family, history, loss is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Wu Ming-Yi's role in the literature of Taiwan is well established. The Stolen Bicycle can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
shortlist · global
20180
✍️
About the Author
Wu Ming-Yi
Taiwan
View Author →

Wu Ming-Yi is a Taiwan author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
★Pulitzer Prize★Hugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Stolen Bicycle about?

In 'The Stolen Bicycle', Wu Ming-Yi crafts a narrative that intertwines personal history with the broader tapestry of Taiwan's past. The protagonist's quest to find his father's stolen bicycle leads him through stories of war, family, and memory. The novel is acclaimed for its intricate storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of Taiwanese culture and history.

Who wrote The Stolen Bicycle?

The Stolen Bicycle was written by Wu Ming-Yi, from Taiwan. First published in 2015.

What awards has The Stolen Bicycle won?

The Stolen Bicycle has received the following recognition: Man Booker International Prize 2018.

Is The Stolen Bicycle worth reading?

The Stolen Bicycle is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 55/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in memory, family, history.

Where can I buy The Stolen Bicycle?

You can buy The Stolen Bicycle on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Stolen Bicycle?

The Stolen Bicycle is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Stolen Bicycle from?

The Stolen Bicycle originates from Taiwan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Taiwan on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇹🇼Books from Taiwan🇹🇼 Taiwan literature📅2010s BooksPublished in the 2010s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time