RF Kuang is back with her most personal story yet

Rebecca Kuang, an acclaimed author known for works like *Babel* and *Yellow Face*, discusses her semi-autobiographical novel, *Taipei Story*. The conversation centers on the complexities of the diaspora experience, specifically the generational distance and the often-frustrating search for cultural authenticity. Kuang details how her own grief and linguistic limitations informed the protagonist’s journey, challenging the trope of a tidy, cathartic homecoming. She critiques the reductive nature of identity politics in the publishing industry, arguing that such frameworks stifle creative imagination and discourage cross-cultural empathy. Reflecting on her academic background and transition from fantasy to realist fiction, Kuang emphasizes the importance of observing everyday human experiences. She remains committed to exploring diverse genres, including horror and thrillers, while maintaining a focus on the intense emotional realities that define her storytelling.