Rebecca F. Kuang is an American fantasy novelist celebrated for her gripping narratives and intricate world-building. Her journey as an author began with the release of The Poppy War in 2018. This debut novel quickly garnered critical acclaim and was succeeded by two sequels, The Dragon Republic in 2019 and The Burning God in 2020. In 2022, Kuang expanded her literary repertoire with the stand-alone novel Babel, or the Necessity of Violence, which soared to the top of The New York Times Best Seller list upon its release.
Kuang's academic pursuits align closely with her writing, possessing an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Magdalene College, Cambridge, and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from University College, Oxford. Her passion for literature and history is further exemplified in her current doctoral studies in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale University.
Accolades have consistently recognized Kuang's literary talents. Her novel Babel not only topped bestseller lists but also clinched the title of Blackwell's Books of the Year for Fiction in 2022 and the prestigious 2022 Nebula Award for Best Novel. Additionally, Kuang has been honored with the Compton Crook Award, the Crawford Award, and the Astounding Award for Best New Writer in 2020, amongst numerous other nominations for esteemed literary awards.
As a multifaceted individual, Kuang is also a Marshall Scholar and a translator. She continually contributes to the field of Sinology and Asian American literature, with works such as Yellowface and the upcoming Katabasis. Her influence extends beyond the literary world, having been named to the 2023 Time100 Next list and the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2024.