Disorientation

Disorientation is a funny novel by Elaine Hsieh Chou that explores the themes of identity, culture, and power. It follows the story of Ingrid Yang, a PhD student who stumbles upon a mysterious note in the Chou archives and sets off on a roller coaster of mishaps and misadventures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Disorientation is a novel by Elaine Hsieh Chou that delves into the themes of identity, storytelling, and cultural appropriation. The story follows the journey of 29-year-old PhD student Ingrid Yang, who is desperate to finish her dissertation on the late canonical poet Xiao-Wen Chou and avoid reading about 'Chinese-y things.' However, when she accidentally stumbles upon a strange and curious note in the Chou archives, she convinces herself that it holds the key to her academic success.

But Ingrid is in much deeper than she realizes. Her clumsy attempts to unravel the note's message lead to an explosive discovery that upends her entire life and the lives of those around her. Alongside her trusty friend Eunice Kim and her rival Vivian Vo, Ingrid embarks on a series of mishaps and misadventures, ranging from campus protests and over-the-counter drug hallucinations to book burnings and a movement that smells of Yellow Peril propaganda.

As the events Ingrid instigated keep spiraling, she must confront her sticky relationship to white men and white institutions, as well as her own identity. The novel is filled with sharp edges, immense warmth, and a cast of unforgettable characters that challenge the reader to think critically about the power of storytelling and the importance of cultural representation.

Overall, Disorientation is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and the role of cultural appropriation in society.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 143 x 225 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529079685