Imagine a 29-year-old powerhouse who's captivating the world with her gripping tales of fantasy, academia, and identity – that's the magic of RF Kuang, the Chinese-American author who's redefining modern storytelling. But what drives her words, and how does her journey inspire countless readers? Let's dive in and uncover the layers of this literary star during her spotlight at the Singapore Writers Festival 2025.
In the vibrant opening days of the Singapore Writers Festival 2025, RF Kuang opened up to CNA Women about how her multifaceted identity and scholarly background fuel her narratives, and why she's passionate about empowering young writers globally. For those new to her world, Kuang's stories often blend high-stakes fantasy with 'dark academia' – think atmospheric, introspective explorations of university life filled with mystery, ambition, and a touch of gloom, like a moody campus thriller.
At only 29, she's already a dominant force in fantasy and dark academia genres. Her breakthrough came with the acclaimed Poppy War trilogy (2018-2020), followed by the thought-provoking Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence (2022), the satirical Yellowface (2023), and her latest release, Katabasis, which hit shelves in August 2025. This newest book follows two devoted students venturing into the mythical underworld on a desperate mission to rescue their beloved professor – a plot that echoes ancient myths while tackling modern themes of loss and determination.
Born in China, Kuang relocated to the United States at age four, immersing herself in a dual cultural world from an early age. She earned her undergraduate degree before pursuing advanced studies at prestigious UK institutions: a master's at Oxford and a doctorate at Cambridge. Remarkably, she balances her rigorous academic life with her writing career. Her debut novel, The Poppy War, emerged during a gap year from her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University back in 2018. Today, she's deep into her PhD program at Yale University in the US, proving that intellect and imagination can coexist seamlessly.
During the festival's kickoff – running through November 16, 2025 – Kuang took center stage as the keynote speaker, debunking common myths about academic life, and later joined a panel on anti-colonial historical fiction. For beginners, anti-colonial writing challenges the legacies of empire-building, highlighting exploitation and resistance through stories drawn from real history, often flipping the script on traditional narratives to give voice to the marginalized.
In chats with local and regional journalists, she revealed her eclectic inspirations, ranging from iconic Japanese manga series like Naruto and Bleach – which mix epic adventures with deep character growth – to timeless American literary giants such as Sylvia Plath's raw emotional poetry and T.S. Eliot's intricate modernist works. Kuang passionately advocates for broad, critical reading habits that span languages and cultures, encouraging everyone to explore beyond their comfort zones.
She also embraced her fans' playful moniker, 'Mother Rebecca,' explaining how her role as a Yale instructor fosters a nurturing bond with students, much like a caring parent guiding their growth. And this is the part most people miss: how her teaching role bleeds into her fiction, creating stories that feel intimately personal yet universally relatable.
In an exclusive sit-down with CNA Women, Kuang delved deeper into the overlap between her scholarly pursuits and creative output, her status as a global role model, and other intriguing facets of her life.
What does it mean to you to be viewed as an inspiration for women and youth worldwide?
It's incredibly rewarding. At book signings, women frequently share how my books first affirm their sense of self and cultural pride, then ignite a spark to create their own stories. They'll say things like, 'Your novels reignited my love for reading!' or 'They opened my eyes to fascinating new subjects!' Being a catalyst in someone's path to discovery is the ultimate joy for a writer.
Right here at the festival, hundreds of attendees approached me, saying my work empowered them to craft narratives from their unique perspectives and personal histories – and that's truly exhilarating.
In what ways have your Chinese-American heritage and scholarly path influenced your narrative style?
For me, crafting fiction is essentially an extension of academic exploration. It's how I digest fresh ideas and grapple with my experiences as a Chinese-American woman, alongside broader themes. I often approach subjects as a newcomer myself, infusing my writing with that fresh enthusiasm rather than an authoritative tone.
Back in my undergrad days, during lectures, I'd split my notebook: factual notes from the professor on one side, and budding plot ideas inspired by the material on the other. Take this philosophy class I attended, where a visiting expert discussed 'epistemic inequality and perceptions of oppression and exploitation.' To simplify for beginners: it's the idea that those enduring unfair power dynamics aren't automatically the best experts on describing them – a myth that can oversimplify complex social issues. As the lecture droned on with its logical, somewhat tedious analysis, I sketched out a tale of extraterrestrial scientists landing on a distant world. They observe atrocities against the native beings, yet every victim they interview insists, 'Everything's perfectly okay!' It was my way of humanizing abstract concepts through imaginative storytelling.
You're celebrated for your anti-colonial and feminist themes. How do you weave your political convictions into your novels without overwhelming the plot?
But here's where it gets controversial: in books like Yellowface and Babel, my characters clash over hot-button modern politics because I'm personally wrestling with tough realities such as racism, sexism, mass violence, and imperial histories. Preachy fiction bores me – when an author is dead-set on their views, it feels like a lecture, dictating right from wrong.
Instead, I craft worlds where no one has all the answers; everyone fumbles toward truth from varied angles. This back-and-forth debate feels more dynamic and honest, as I never claim total certainty. I'm constantly evolving my thoughts, diving into more research, and admitting past errors. Isn't it bold to admit that in storytelling? It challenges the notion that authors must be infallible guides – what do you think, does vulnerability make for stronger fiction?
Does your everyday life seep into the characters and plots you create?
Absolutely, each novel mirrors my mindset and relationships at that life stage, serving as a lens to examine my evolving self. While penning Katabasis, I was in a relationship with my now-husband, a philosopher and fellow academic whom I wed last year. Our chats – blending profound ideas with lighthearted banter – sparked the book's explorations of infernal realms, mental exhaustion, and the steep price of drive. For example, we'd debate existential dilemmas over coffee, and those nuggets would weave into the narrative, adding emotional depth.
Reading The Poppy War now, penned in my teen years, is like eavesdropping on my angsty, alternative younger self – a bit cringeworthy, yes, but I connect with her intensity while gently critiquing it from my current vantage point.
As the keynote and panelist at SWF 2025, what impressed you most about Singapore?
This is my debut visit to Singapore, and the Writers Festival has been an absolute highlight among all I've attended – the discussions are profoundly engaging and diverse.
The city's mosaic of races, religions, ethnicities, languages, and traditions captivates me, offering fresh historical insights that provoke deep reflection. As a Chinese-American, observing the local Chinese diaspora feels like spotting echoes of my own bilingual life, from fluent English to Mandarin roots.
I've encountered folks fluent in various Chinese dialects here, including Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hainanese, which adds such richness. Traveling with my mom for the full week has been a highlight; hailing from Hainan Island and versed in multiple dialects, she blends right in with the community – chatting up aunties and uncles at markets, feeling utterly at ease. It's a heartwarming reminder of shared heritage across oceans.
As someone who's both scholar and storyteller, what's your take on Singlish?
Haha, yes lah, don't play play!
I adore the lively interplay of languages in Singapore. Singlish beautifully illustrates how English, Malay, Chinese dialects, and more have fused into something uniquely vibrant – it's a testament to cultural blending at its finest. By week's end, I aim to sprinkle some into my own speech; who knows, it might even inspire my next story!
The Singapore Writers Festival continues until November 16. Grab tickets for events and panels via the official site (https://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/).
CNA Women (https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women) is a dedicated CNA Lifestyle space aimed at enlightening, uplifting, and motivating today's women. Got news, challenges, or insights on women's topics? Drop us a line at CNAWomen@mediacorp.com.sg.
Source: CNA/iz
And one final thought-provoker: In a world quick to label art as 'political' or 'neutral,' should writers like Kuang boldly confront colonialism and identity head-on, or keep fiction purely escapist? Agree or disagree – sound off in the comments and let's spark a conversation!
