Ordinarily, writers’ voices are stronger on the page – where they can artfully hone their language and message. Kuang manages to explore complex ideas with great depth and intricacy both in her novel ‘Yellowface’ and on stage. In an in-depth take down of the publishing industry – the capitalism that fuels it, their faux diversity and the mindset of the key players – Kuang elaborates on how lockdown and Twitter fueled her bestselling novel. She goes into depth on her process of writing her villainous main character, and the writing process to make the book, in the words of one audience member, “like addictive toxic candy”. Kuang’s intellect is apparent whenever she speaks, and I would encourage anybody to give her a read, or a listen.

Edinburgh Futures Institute, 15 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Abigail Tobias]