Rise Up, Rise Up

Kevin Chen and Catherine Hernandez

6:00pm

Thursday, September 28, 2023

60 mins

Sacrifice, family and resilience are at the centre of new novels from Kevin Chen and Catherine Hernandez. Exploring themes of cultural identity, belonging and desire for acceptance, Chen and Hernandez discuss their writing and the very real contemporary issues that influenced their latest works.

In Kevin Chen’s Ghost Town, a man just released from prison searches for place and purpose in the aftermath of tragedy as old family secrets unfurl around him. In Catherine Hernandez’s The Story of Us, an Overseas Filipino Worker navigates the challenges of life in a new country and finds unexpected connection with a patient.

Moderated by Tanya Turton.

Presented with support from the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York.

This event will be followed by a book signing.

Conversation

How to attend

$19.99

Single Day Pass

$249.99

Full Festival Pass

Students and youth save up to 50% on passes.

Moderated by Tanya Turton.

Presented with support from the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York.

Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York LOGO

This event will be followed by a book signing.

Conversation

Featured Authors

Kevin Chen

Taiwanese author Kevin Chen started his career as a cinema and theater actor. Now based in Germany, he has published several novels, essays, and short story collections in Taiwan. He is the winner of several literature awards in Taiwan. His first English publication Ghost Town, translated by Darryl Sterk, was reviewed by the New York Times, NPR, Publishers Weekly, etc. Ghost Town was placed on the list of Best Books of World Literature 2022 by Library Journal and the longlist of PEN Translation Prize 2023. Ghost Town will be translated into 11 languages. Karmele Jaio Eiguren’s Festival appearance is generously supported by the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York.