Yiyun Li

Yiyun Li, born on November 4, 1972, is a distinguished Chinese-born writer and professor who has made her mark in the literary world while residing in the United States since her graduate studies. Writing exclusively in English, she has captivated readers with her poignant narratives and profound insights.

Her literary prowess has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the PEN/Hemingway Award and the Guardian First Book Award for her debut collection, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers. In 2020, she received the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award for her poignant work, Where Reasons End, and in 2023, she was honored with the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for her latest novel, The Book of Goose.

Li's short story collection, Wednesday's Child, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, further solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature. In addition to her writing, she serves as an editor for the Brooklyn-based literary magazine A Public Space, contributing to the vibrant literary community.