Learning From Shame: R.F. Kuang on Diaspora, Language and Writing Young Protagonists

R.F.

Kuang is a contemporary author known for her ability to write novels set in diverse contexts while maintaining a consistent focus on diaspora (communities formed by people who have migrated from their original homeland) and language.

Since 2018, she has published seven books, each exploring different themes and settings.

Her latest novel, Taipei Story, follows Lily, a college freshman who travels to Taiwan to learn Mandarin during a summer abroad.

The novel examines her struggles with cultural assimilation, self-perception, and grief following her grandfather's death.

Kuang describes her work as a reflection of her own evolving perspective, noting that she turned 30 in 2026 and chose to write about a protagonist younger than herself for the first time.

This shift allowed her to explore themes of youthful naivety and the learning process, particularly in language acquisition.