About This Event

Born and raised in Beijing, Ning Ken is one of China’s most distinctive contemporary novelists and essayists. He has written many acclaimed works including Tibetan Sky, which sees a disillusioned academic leave Beijing for Lhasa, where a chance encounter opens up questions of philosophy, love and spirituality amid a community of self-exiled thinkers. Ning Ken is the author of China’s best internet novel of 2000, a literary form little seen in the UK, but of enormous cultural significant in China. Our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan talks to the era-defining Chinese novelist about his life and work as well as how literature can challenge our assumptions about other cultures. At a time when relatively little Chinese literature is translated, this is a rare opportunity to hear from a writer working within the country today. Ning Ken is also joined by the translator of Tibetan Sky , Thomas Moran . There will be a book signing after this event. Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Literature Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of Cheltenham Town Hall.

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