def read_file(filename, prepend_paths=[]):
  """
  Returns the contents of *filename* (UTF-8).

  If *prepend_paths* is set, join those before the *fielname*.
  If it is `True`, prepend the path to `setup.py`.

  """
  if prepend_paths is True:
    prepend_paths = [
      os.path.abspath(os.path.dirname(__file__)),
    ]
  if prepend_paths:
    prepend_paths.append(filename)
    filename = os.path.join(*prepend_paths)
  print(filename)
  with open(filename, encoding='utf-8') as f:
    return f.read()