The Reading Life of an Author: RF Kuang on Influences, Rediscoveries, and Current Obsessions
As a novelist, people frequently enough ask about the books that have shaped my thinking and writng. It’s a deceptively complex question. Your literary landscape is constantly evolving, shifting with your own experiences and the questions that begin to occupy your mind. Here’s a glimpse into the books that have resonated with me, changed my perspective, and continue to fuel my work.
The Shift in genre Focus
For a long time, I wasn’t drawn to stories heavily focused on romance. However, recent works by authors like Sally Rooney, banana Yoshimoto, and Mieko Kawakami have profoundly altered that. They’ve illuminated the power of capturing the nuanced dynamics of interpersonal relationships – the subtle shifts, the unspoken tensions. I’m now actively exploring how to integrate that level of detail into my own writing.
Returning to Familiar Ground
Sometimes, a book needs to find you at the right moment. Vladimir Nabokov’s Pnin is a prime exmaple. It didn’t click during college, but a recent reread had me laughing out loud. Similarly, Victor Hugo’s les Misérables felt daunting in high school, but the unabridged edition revealed a richness and depth I wasn’t prepared for then. Now, I relish the digressions into Parisian history and slang.
Rediscovering Past Favorites
There’s a special joy in revisiting books you loved and finding they still hold up. David Mitchell was a formative author for me in college, particularly The Bone clocks. Rereading both it and Cloud atlas recently, I was struck anew by their brilliance. Cloud Atlas, especially, is a truly gorgeous and life-affirming work, and the film adaptation deserves more recognition.
Timeless Companions
Some books simply never loose their magic. I recently purchased Arnold lobel’s Frog and Toad Are Friends for a friend’s child. But let’s be honest,I still adore those stories myself! They’re a reminder of the simple joys and enduring power of childhood literature.
Late Bloomers
There are always books you mean to get to, and then finally do. Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities fell into that category for me. I finished it this summer and found myself completely captivated by its overwrought melodrama and sheer camp. It’s delightfully silly, and I loved every minute.
Currently on My Nightstand
My reading list is always in flux. Right now, I’m immersed in Mario vargas Llosa’s The Time of the Hero, recommended by my French translator.We bonded over borges, and he insisted I explore Vargas Llosa’s work. I’m also on a deep dive into existentialism, exploring the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Gabriel Marcel, and Albert Camus. It’s fascinating to discover connections between beliefs and art – like the animated film Marcel the shell being a playful nod to Gabriel Marcel’s concept of the “hard shell” of self.
The Ultimate Comfort
When I need a literary escape,I always turn to Ray Bradbury. His work is a constant source of inspiration and comfort.Ultimately, reading isn’t a passive activity for a writer. It’s a conversation, a learning process, and a source of endless inspiration. It’s about finding the books that speak to you, revisiting old favorites, and constantly expanding your literary horizons.
(Book plug) Katabasis by RF Kuang is published by HarperVoyager. Support the Guardian and order your copy at