The enduring legacy of anti-Asian prejudice fueled Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s debut novel.
, the debut novel of Austin writer Jenny Tinghui Zhang, features a young woman born in China who lands in the American West. Daiyu, smuggled into 1880s California against her will, adopts several identities as she searches for a safe home in a country she never chose.
I did not. In fact, it wasn’t until other people started telling me it was a Western that I realized that this was the way the novel would be perceived. It was surprising to me, because nothing about the book felt traditionally “Western,” at least not in the sense that we’ve come to understand from the Westerns we consider part of the canon.
The calligraphy master tells his students: “In calligraphy, you must have respect for what you are writing and who you are writing for.” Do you see that as a guideline for your work as an author? It was quite difficult and surreal. My book is technically historical fiction, but it didn’t feel very much like “history,” nor like “fiction,” as news of increased attacks against Asian Americans flooded my news feeds.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2 killed, 1 critically injured in multiple auto-pedestrian crashes overnight in AustinATCEMS is urging drivers to always be aware of their surroundings when they get behind the wheel, and limit distractions after three separate auto-pedestrian crashes overnight.
Read more »
Steve Austin gets his match, Cody Rhodes returns at surreal WrestleMania 38 Night 1The word WWE used to describe WrestleMania 38 was “stupendous.” Surreal was more like so far. On Night 1, we saw “Stone Cold” Steve Austin have his first match in 19 years, …
Read more »
Austin Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on Sunday, April 3Let’s go fly a kite! The ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park in Austin on Sunday, April 3. Bring your family, and a kite, any time from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read more »
Austin FC Loses Footing vs. Earthquakes as Two-Goal Lead Slides Away in San JoseAustin FC loses footing vs. Earthquakes as their two-goal lead slides away in San Jose.
Read more »
City of Austin facing lifeguard, city worker shortages going into summerThe City of Austin is facing staffing shortages and is looking to hire lifeguards. Barton Springs Pool is closing two days a week until more staff can be hired.
Read more »