RF Kuang Experience & Thoughts
Recently, I went to hear RF Kuang Speak via a Book People event for the release of her new book, “Katabasis”. At the time I was currently reading “Babel” and was starting to understand all the hype. The cynic I am, I was a little skeptical because there was so much adoration and hype. Walking into the event space early it became apparent I vastly underestimated the fandom. While I was early might as well been damn near late with how crowded the space was. My mom, ( who I convinced to go with me), and I found a spot with a descent view while scanning the hundreds of eager faces. I really hoped it was going to be worth the excitement. It was!
I was beyond thrilled with the experience. She was raw, authentic, witty and unapologetic for her brilliance. Growing up and in adulthood people have said I’m smart and with the grades to back this up I always felt fairly academic but in comparison to RF Kuang, I felt a little like a toddler. That’s a me problem, not her. But it made me marvel at her brilliance and she wasn’t shrinking these traits. It was admirable to see and inspiring to reach for such intellect and confidence. While I was already enjoying “Babel” hearing her speak made me fall even more in love.
I’ve since finished “Babel” and while it may be a giant over 500 pages, it reads fluidly and all I wanted to do was stick my face between pages. Instead of doing other work, I only wanted to read. Feeling like a child again, fully enraptured. It beautifully examines the complex systems of oppression, racism, sexism, colonialism, and elitism but also how those sinister entities weave themselves into daily lives for a messy existence that many struggle to untangle. I haven’t read anything in a long while that stirred such aching emotions. Without giving away anything, all I can say is “Go read it!”.
Finally, if you haven’t heard there’s been “controversy” and skepticism on social media over “Katabasis”. Some people not understanding the hype, some saying she used AI, and others feeling the themes are too on the nose “once again.” Um, excuse me—WHAT?! First off, the AI accusation comes off as pure jealousy. Spending just an hour in the same room you can see how her voice transforms to the words on the page and just how intelligent she is. Secondly, while I understand skepticism of hype I do believe many will damn a vessel to sink before they even embark simply because they are being contrarian. It’s okay to nerd out people! Stop acting so full of yourself. Finally the “on the nose” themes is perhaps the most frustrating. The themes that RF Kuang address are important and sometimes difficult to face, especially for those who see themselves in the characters or situations being critiqued. No one wants to have anything in common with problematic people or events but that doesn’t mean those people or problems aren’t problematic. It also doesn’t mean anyone should tip-toe around them because someone clutching their pearls is uncomfortable. Frankly, hearing this criticism is founded upon the classics—racism, sexism, white fragility and anti-intellectualism.
Some people can’t stand the thought of a strong smart woman, unapologetically taking up space and calling out broken systems for what they are.