* 2023 Openbook Award

After returning to the island where they were born, two young people discovered new career possibilities in stone weirs, a traditional fishing method in slow decline. Beginning with the history and culture of this ancient method, this book introduces readers to the fascinating past and present of stone weirs.

The Twin Hearts Stone Weir is the most famous tourist landmark in Penghu, but even the authors, both born and raised on the island, weren’t quite sure what purpose the piled-up stones served until they decided to give up their careers in Taiwan and make Penghu their home again. Only then did they gradually begin to understand the stone weirs and the people of Penghu. Return to Weir Island tells their journey of discovery and the path that brought them home.

This book consists of four chapters: Chapter one introduces the basics of stone weirs, including their history, structure, purpose, and method of use. Readers learn that the weirs are like real estate and can be passed down from generation to generation, and also like a company, operated as a joint venture. In chapter two, the authors explain their return to Penghu and how they subsequently got involved in repairing the weirs. As the story of their project progresses, readers gradually realize that repairing a weir is not just stacking up some stones – an understanding of construction methods and sea tides is also required. Chapter three introduces in greater detail the people and community the authors got to know through their weir restoration work, discussing the traditional skills in which these individuals are experts, such as making fishing traps and tools, weaving fish baskets and straw sandals, collecting sea vegetables, and processing fish. In chapter four, the authors provide an overview of Penghu’s stone weirs, sharing the stories of those they consider most representative.

In this book, readers are introduced to stone weirs through photos and text, but they will learn about far more than these heart-shaped stone structures in the intertidal zone. They will also learn about life in a seaside community, and in the process, feel closer to Penghu, even if they aren’t from the island.