Author R.F. Kuang is facing criticism from early readers of her upcoming novel Taipei Story, following claims that the book includes a portrayal of an Israeli character perceived as sympathetic, according to reader reactions shared online.

The controversy emerged after advance reader copies (ARCs) circulated among select audiences ahead of the novel’s scheduled release on September 8.

Readers on X and TikTok claim a two-page sequence featuring an Israeli pianist is described within religious and artistic contexts, which some interpreted as a positive or neutral depiction.

Online discussions, including comments on Kuang’s social media, indicate that some readers expressed disappointment, arguing that the portrayal appeared to “normalise” Israel and contrasts with the author’s established reputation of depicting colonialism, imperialism and genocide in her work.

Taipei Story is a contemporary literary novel centred on Lily Chen, a Yale student attending a summer language programme in Taipei. The narrative explores grief, diaspora, language and cultural identity, as the protagonist navigates family history and personal loss.

Kuang is widely known for novels such as Babel and Yellowface, which examine historical power structures and the legacy of colonial systems.

Her earlier work, including The Poppy War trilogy, drew on the Second World War in China, while Babel focused on British imperialism during the First Opium War.

The backlash has also drawn particular attention due to Kuang’s previous public stance on political issues.

In December 2025, she withdrew from the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai, citing adherence to a boycott call supported by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, and referencing “mass atrocities in Sudan”.

As of now, Kuang has not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding Taipei Story, and the full context of the scene in question remains limited to early reader accounts.