A roundup of 2024’s notable books and translations by Chinese, expat, and diaspora authors
As 2024 draws to a close, we are glad to find more diverse works from Chinese authors reaching English-speaking audiences through translation. Among them are established contemporary literary icons such as Su Tong and his somber narratives of the recent past, and bestselling horror writers such as Xu Lei (better known as Nanpai Sanshu). From novels highlighting the forgotten history of WWI to short stories depicting modern family life and fiction based on painful personal trauma, this year’s translations also featured female Chinese authors who brought their unique literary voices to the forefront.
This year also saw notable expat or former expat writers offering their insights into contemporary Chinese life, while diaspora writers delved into their personal and family histories, which are deeply intertwined with broader political and economic contexts. Here’s our list of the books of the year:
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