Bestselling American author Rebecca F Kuang is facing anger from some of her fans after her upcoming book Taipei Story apparently includes a sympathetic portrayal of an Israeli character.
The Chinese-born author of works including Yellowface and Babel is facing anger from some readers after advance reader copies of her upcoming book – set to be released this September in the UK – were apparently circulated to a select audience.
According to Pakistani outlet The Express Tribune: “Readers on X and TikTok claim a two-page sequence featuring an Israeli pianist is described within religious and artistic contexts, which some interpreted as a positive or neutral depiction.”
Some social media users criticised the apparent inclusion of the Israeli character on Kuang’s Instagram page.
“EXTREMELY disappointed. Heartbreaking to think I raved about your work and your stance on colonialism and then you go and add a Zio narrative in your book… please please remove it”, said one comment.
“What was the logic behind the deliberate choice to mention Israel in your latest novel?”, another added.
Another wrote: “We don’t want Zionist propaganda!! Do you even know your audience?”
A different user accused the author of effectively selling-out her fan-base: “Good luck selling your books now girl you literally built your whole audience on your whole anti-colonialism thing just to end up normalizing Israel’s existence that’s just disgusting”.
Last year, Kuang announced her withdrawal from the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature in Dubai following a call by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
According to outlet Middle East Eye, she shared her email to the event organisers saying that she was “no longer able to travel to Dubai” and that she “always respected organized calls for cultural boycotts against genocide from communities affected”.
“I’m adhering now to the Palestinian BDS National Committee's recent call given the mass atrocities in Sudan,” she added.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.