Membranes: A Novel

In the late twenty-first century, Momo, a celebrated dermal care technician in T City, discovers her true identity and explores the boundaries of gender, memory, self, and reality. This visionary novel by Chi Ta-wei blends dystopian tropes with queer and trans themes, offering a sensitive portrayal of a young woman's quest for self-understanding. Ari Larissa Heinrichs translation brings Chis hybrid punk sensibility to readers interested in speculative fiction that pushes boundaries.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 168 pages
\n Publication date: 01 June 2021
\n Publisher: Columbia University Press
\n

In the late twenty-first century, Momo reigns as the most celebrated dermal care technician in the vibrant city of T. As humanity faces the devastating consequences of climate change, it has sought refuge in underwater domes. The world is dominated by powerful media conglomerates, where cyborg labor is exploited to maintain order. Momo, a solitary individual, prefers to keep to herself, occupied with her clients, who include some of the city's most prominent media personalities. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she reconnects with her estranged mother. This encounter sparks a journey of self-discovery, challenging the boundaries of gender, memory, self, and reality.

First published in Taiwan in 1995, The Membranes stands as a timeless masterpiece of queer speculative fiction in Chinese. Author Chi Ta-wei skillfully weaves a dystopian tapestry, incorporating elements such as heirloom animals, radiation-proof combat drones, and sinister surveillance technologies. Within this intricate narrative, he paints a poignant portrait of one young woman's quest for self-understanding. This visionary and sublime novel not only predicts the prevalence of fitness tracking and social media saturation but also delves into profound themes of gender and sexuality, technological dominance, and capitalist regimes. What sets The Membranes apart is its unwavering self-reflexivity, inviting readers to examine their own roles within this captivating world.

Ari Larissa Heinrichs exceptional translation brings Chi's unique punk sensibility to a broader audience, appealing to those who seek books that push the boundaries of speculative fiction. Through her meticulous translation, Heinrichs ensures that the vibrant spirit and rich cultural nuances of The Membranes resonate with readers worldwide, allowing them to embark on a thought-provoking and immersive journey into the future.

\n Weight: 230g\n
Dimension: 198 x 216 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780231195713\n \n