Chinese and Western science fiction should not be generalized as having fundamental differences, as both genres encompass a wide range of diversity and individual styles within each national literature. The influence and exchange of ideas between Chinese and American science fiction authors through translations are significant, debunking the notion of distinct qualities between the two. Specific examples illustrate the mutual influence between cultures, such as Chinese author Liu Cixin being influenced by Anglophone Science fiction like Arthur C. Clarke. The complexity of literary movements and multicultural influences in Chinese science fiction discourages sweeping statements about the entire genre, as writers in this space have diverse social positions, prose styles, and narrative objectives. One should focus on the unique characteristics and individual voices within Chinese and Western science fiction, rather than generalizing their differences.
Rebecca F. Kuang just might change the way you think about fantasy and science fiction. Known for her best-selling books Babel and The Poppy War trilogy, Kuang combines a unique blend of historical richness and imaginative storytelling. At just 27, she’s already published five novels, and her compulsion to write has not abated even as she's pursued advanced degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, and now Yale. Her latest book, Yellowface, was one of Tyler’s favorites in 2023.
She sat down with Tyler to discuss Chinese science-fiction, which work of fantasy she hopes will still be read in fifty years, which novels use footnotes well, how she'd change book publishing, what she enjoys about book tours, what to make of which Chinese fiction is read in the West, the differences between the three volumes of The Three Body Problem, what surprised her on her recent Taiwan trip, why novels are rarely co-authored, how debate influences her writing, how she'll balance writing fiction with her academic pursuits, where she'll travel next, and more.
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Recorded September 15th, 2023.
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