The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu

Ken Liu’s ‘The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories’ is an award-winning collection of short stories that is considered one of the most important books of its genre. Ken Liu is a prolific writer of science fiction and fantasy that is known for his unique style of blending Eastern and Western philosophy and culture in his stories. In this collection, Liu has gathered tales from a range of sources that span genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mainstream literature.

The book begins with the titular story, ‘The Paper Menagerie’. This story gives readers a glimpse into the life of a young Chinese-American boy who discovers a magical paper craft made by his mother. Through it, he is able to gain a deeper understanding of his own complex identity that was formed by his Asian heritage and the struggles he faces in living in the United States. This story, which won both the Hugo and the Nebula Award, sets the tone for the other stories in the book.

The other stories in the collection consist of both reprints and original works. One of the most notable short stories is ‘Staying Behind’, which follows a married couple in present-day China that must choose between staying with their current lives in China, or deciding to take the risk of moving to the US. ‘The Bookmaking Habits of Select Species’ is another magical story about the nature of books and storytelling. This story is a unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and Chinese mythology.

Other stories that stand out in this collection include ‘The Man Who Ended History: A Documentary’, in which two time travelers from a post-apocalyptic future try to rewrite history in an attempt to save their timeline. ‘The Litigation Master and the Monkey King’ is a retelling of the classic Chinese tale and is told from the perspective of the Litigation Master, a demon who helps people with their court battles.

The last story of the collection is ‘Mono No Aware’, which won the Hugo Award. This story follows the life and death of a space traveler who leaves Earth for a distant planet and finds solace in its new inhabitants. Throughout his journey, he discovers the beauty and fragility of life within a hostile cosmic environment.

Overall, Ken Liu’s ‘The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories’ is an impressive collection of stories that seamlessly blends science fiction, fantasy, and Chinese mythology in ways that challenge readers’ expectations. His stories are both captivating and thoughtful, leaving readers with an appreciation for Liu’s skill as a storyteller. This collection is essential reading for any fan of science fiction and fantasy.