Oppression and Resistance in New Chinese and Chinese-American Science Fiction

Join us to read selections from the best of Chinese and Chinese-American science fiction. Over the last ten years, authors have reached English-speaking audiences with exciting and award-winning new literature using the metaphors and methods of speculative and visionary writing.

The new wave of younger Chinese science fiction writers often brings exciting explorations of political and social themes. Alongside daring new scientific imaginations, our selections this fall feature issues of anti-Asian violence and racism, colonialism, then and now, and the cruelties of global capitalism, often resulting in resistance to oppression.  Our selections truly merit the new tag of “visionary fiction.”

Our reading group includes people steeped in the speculative fiction tradition as well as new readers exploring themes with us for the first time. The tilt of global economics, scientific research, and politics Eastward makes this fall’s theme timely.

• Vagabonds by Hao Jinfang, translated by Ken Liu, as well as Hao’s Hugo award-winning story, “Folding Beijing”
• Invisible Planets and Broken Stars, short story collections translated and edited by Ken Liu (selected stories)
• Babel, by RF Kuang
• Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng (December 18, January 8)

Convened by Steve Backman, long-time explorer of the visionary side of science fiction; member of the MEP leadership team

Please watch for information about the Visionary Fiction Reading Group’s new themes and readings for the winter season