Taipei Story

by RF Kuang

Taiwanese‑American college freshman Lily Chen heads to an intensive summer language program in Taipei hoping to connect with her heritage. The promising start unravels as grueling classes, a chaotic roommate, and a reckless hot‑spring trip leave her feeling adrift. The sudden death of her grandfather forces Lily to confront unanswered family questions, sparking a poignant journey of grief, language barriers, and cultural dislocation. R. F. Kuang weaves a wry, moving coming‑of‑age tale that explores diaspora fantasies, the limits of language as a bridge, and the search for home amid family secrets.