Olympic Voices: A Celebration of New Literature from China

May 3, 2008 | Asia Society | New  York City

Copresented by Words Without Borders and The Asia Society

With Flora Drew, Xiaolu Guo, and Ma Jian; moderated by Dedi Felman

Dissident Chinese writer Ma Jian has written hauntingly and humorously about those struggling to survive under a system that dictates their every move. Enchanting and horrifying, seductive and perverse, moving and memorable, his stories of contemporary China and Tibet are noted for their artistry, their irreverence, and their courage. Xiaolu Guo’s harrowing and intimate novels feature fluid prose and a fable-like lightness that only accents the emotional depths. Her latest novel, written after she had moved to England, mixes language, love, and cultural identity to upend our assumptions about both China and the West. Join us for a conversation about flipping off the Old Guard, the new Chinese writing, belonging, escape, heartbreak, and craft.

PHOTO GALLERY: Flickr photostream

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• Entire event (1:40:59)