Published in the U.S. by HarperVia in May 2024, Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise, is the most influential book of Taiwan’s #MeToo movement. In collaboration with Taiwan Academy in Houston, Jenna Tang, the book’s translator, will give literary talks at four universities in Texas, including Trinity University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas from October 9 to 16.
Initially released in Taiwan in 2017, Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise was writer Lin Yi-Han’s debut novel. It achieved remarkable success, selling over one million copies worldwide, winning multiple literary prizes, and becoming a feminist manifesto throughout Asia. Translated editions in English, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Russian, and Polish further amplified its influence.
Fang Si-Chi's First Love Paradise is a groundbreaking novel on sexual grooming, gender topics, and beyond––a heartbreaking account of sexual violence and a remarkable reinvention of the trauma plot, turning the traditional Lolita narrative upside down as it explores women’s vulnerability, victimization, and the lengths they will go to survive.
"A haunting novel . . . lyrically translated.” described by Kirkus Reviews. Jenna Tang expressed her hope that the translation and book tour will help international readers connect with the emotional journey of trauma survivors. She also aims to bring renewed attention to the Mandarin edition, highlighting the novel’s critical themes.
About the Translator
Jenna Tang is a Taiwanese writer, educator and translator who translates between Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French and English. She is a board member and chair of the Equity Advocates Committee at the American Literary Translators Association. Her translations and essays are published in McSweeney’s, Lit Hub, The Paris Review, Latin American Literature Today, World Literature Today, Catapult, AAWW, Words Without Borders and elsewhere. Her translations include Taiwanese feminist author Lin Yi-Han’s novel, Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise (HarperVia).
More info about the book talks
■Trinity University
Wednesday,10/9, 5:00pm-6:00pm
■University of Texas at Austin
The Meyerson Conference Room (WCH 4.118)
Friday,10/11, 3:00pm-5:00pm
■University of Houston
Honors Commons (2nd floor of M.D.Anderson library)
Tuesday,10/15, 11:30am-1:00pm
■University of St. Thomas
The Black Lab
Wednesday,10/16, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Open to Public, Please RSVP
https://forms.gle/onxggFgpcP1PDQmG8
