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Babel-On with R.F. Kuang

Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Program

Register for this virtual program via ZOOM to receive a link. Watch at home or by using a library computer.

R.F. Kuang'sExternal Link genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture.

Her most recent novel, KatabasisExternal Link, follows two graduate students as they descend into hell after the death of their professor, and the screen rights options to the novel were sold to Amazon MGM Studios for an upcoming TV series before its publication. Kuang’s other bestselling titles include YellowfaceExternal Link, BabelExternal Link, and The Poppy WarExternal Link trilogy, and she is the recipient of the Nebula Award for Best Novel, the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction, and the American Book Award. 

Kelly Jensen, an anti-censorship advocate, senior editor at Book Riot, and writer who has compiled such anthologies as Here We Are: Feminism for the Real WorldExternal Link and (Don’t) Call Me CrazyExternal Link, will be joining Kuang in conversation.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed. To request accommodations not listed, please email illinoislibrariespresent@ila.org.

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