A Night in with Rachel Khong
Join author and California Book Award winner, Rachel Khong, to celebrate the publication of her highly anticipated book, Real Americans.
On the precipice of Y2K, unpaid intern Lily Chen is attempting to live the American dream in New York City. But her scientist parents imagined so much more for her when they fled Mao's cultural revolution, hoping for a better life. Despite the glamour of her media job, Lily can barely make rent - until she falls into the arms of Matthew. This young financier can give her a fairy tale life of luxury, and for the first time her dreams appear within reach.
High school student Nick Chen and his best friend Timothy are plotting to break free. College promises escape from an isolated and close-knit island in Washington State, space from his strict and secretive mum Lily, and the chance to finally fit in. But when Nick sets out to find his long-lost father, a world of questions opens, and it is one unexpected member of the Chen family who holds the key to it all.
In conversation with writer and editor Helena Lee, Rachel will share how, through Real Americans, she has been able to explore the two narratives that have been ever-present in her own life: the immigrant dream, and the American dream. Within this profound story of betrayal and forgiveness, ask yourself what makes us who we are? And how inevitable are our futures?
“A truly special novel … an elegant portrait of how we disappoint those we love, despite trying our best, and how attempts to tame humanity misunderstand its complexity. Khong masterfully unfolds each character before us, revealing their dreams and regrets, and their undying hope for better.” Nicola Dinan, author of Bellies
The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of Real Americans (RRP £16.99) deliverable to any UK or international address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 28 May at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]