Olympic Voices: A Celebration of New Literature from China

Join in for a conversation about flipping off the Old Guard, new Chinese writing, belonging, escape, heartbreak, and craft.

May 3, 2008
2:30 - 4:00 pm 

For the first time PEN World Voices Festival comes to Asia Society. Xiaolu Guo, author of the novel "A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary" (nominated for the Orange Prize) in conversation with fellow writers Ma Jian and Flora Drew ("Red Dust," "The Noodle Maker," "Beijing Coma" and "Stick Out Your Tongue") explore the theme of this year’s festival, “Public Lives/Private Lives.” Dedi Felman, of Words Without Borders, moderates.

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 moved to England, mixes language, love and cultural identity to upend our assumptions about both China and the West.

The fourth annual PEN World Voice Festival runs from April 29 to May 4, 2008 and features panel discussions, conversations, and readings throughout the city.