The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘How Yiyun Li Became a Beacon for Readers in Mourning’
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Oct 23, 2022 
Yiyun Li, a celebrated novelist known for her raw exploration of depression, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Beijing to becoming a literary beacon for those grappling with grief. In conversation with fellow writer Alexandra Kleeman, she discusses her struggles with language and her transformative shift from science to storytelling. They dive into her poignant works, including 'The Book of Goose' and 'Where Reason Ends,' highlighting how fiction can offer comfort and connection during difficult times.
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Propaganda and Disillusionment
- As a teenager, Yiyun Li excelled at writing propaganda in communist China, moving audiences to tears with speeches she didn't believe.
- This experience disillusioned her with the Chinese language, despite its beauty, and fueled her aversion to dogma.
Embracing Uncertainty
- Now repulsed by dogma, Yiyun Li embraces uncertainty in her writing.
- She values questioning and exploration over definitive answers.
The Book of Goose Origins
- Yiyun Li's novel, "The Book of Goose," originated from an imagined conversation between two girls about growing happiness.
- This simple question evolves into a complex exploration of friendship and manipulation.
