From Woman's World · Carissa Mosness · · 2m
R.F. Kuang's 5 must-read books
The bestselling author shares the novels she rereads and loves across genres.
In brief
The bestselling author shares the novels she rereads and loves across genres. R.F. Kuang recommends five books spanning classics, historical fiction, fantasy and contemporary literature that have shaped her as a writer. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Kuang's favorite reads
The bestselling author of Yellowface, Babel, and Taipei Story shares five books she loves to reread across multiple genres.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Set in post-Revolutionary France, this timeless classic follows Jean Valjean's journey of redemption and transformation in Parisian society.
“Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is underrated for how goofy it is.”
Hugo's humor surprised her
Kuang found unexpected comedy in the novel, particularly in scenes of Marius courting Cosette that had her giggling on a plane.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
This 1327 historical mystery follows Brother William investigating heresy at an Italian abbey, uncovering secrets that could destroy the wealthy institution.
“I read Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose in a small cottage outside Florence on my honeymoon.”
A honeymoon page-turner
Kuang brought this novel on her honeymoon and found it unforgettable, reading it in a cottage outside Florence.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
A locked-room thriller where Piranesi lives in a mysterious labyrinth, investigating a Great and Secret Knowledge with a visitor called the Othero.
Clarke cured her writer's block
Struggling with burnout and lost creativity, Kuang rediscovered her love of writing through Clarke's playful novel filled with optimism and wonder.
“It's playful and has this constant note of optimism and wonder about the world which encouraged me to start writing again.”
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Originally published in 1986, this fantasy series follows mice in Mossflower Wood racing to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior before Cluny conquers them.
“Those books are timeless!”
Childhood fantasy holds up
Kuang recently reread this beloved series and found it remains timeless, with rich descriptions of food and the warmth of community worth fighting for.
No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
A Booker Prize finalist about an unnamed woman elevated by social media fame while grappling with climate change and social injustice.
Lockwood taught her timing
Kuang credits this novel with teaching her about comedic timing, a skill she applies to her own writing.
“Patricia Lockwood's No One Is Talking About This taught me about comedic timing.”
The short version
R.F. Kuang recommends five books spanning classics, historical fiction, fantasy and contemporary literature that have shaped her as a writer.
