Picture a Chinese-Australian storyteller who spins tales of magical realism and heartfelt romance, capturing the pulse of Beijing’s vibrant streets—meet Ann Liang! This rising star in young adult literature has enchanted readers with her culturally rich narratives, blending fantasy, coming-of-age struggles, and a dash of rom-com charm. Born in Beijing and raised between China and Australia, Liang’s global perspective infuses her stories with authenticity and heart.
With her debut novel, If You Could See the Sun, Liang burst onto the YA scene, earning accolades for her vivid portrayal of Beijing’s elite international schools. Her ability to weave personal experiences into universal themes has made her a beloved voice for readers seeking stories that bridge cultures and tug at the heartstrings.
The Making of Ann Liang
Born Liang Yuan on March 8, 2000, in Beijing, Ann Liang moved to Melbourne, Australia, at age five, where her teachers gave her the name 'Ann' for its simplicity. By nine, she was back in Beijing, attending international schools like Beijing International School, navigating a life split between two worlds. This constant movement shaped her storytelling, infusing it with themes of displacement and identity. A prolific reader, Liang was inspired by authors like R.F. Kuang and Chloe Gong, and her love for C-dramas and Taylor Swift fueled her creative spark. She began writing seriously in high school, publishing her first work, 'A Sketch of Perfection,' in 2016, while attending Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, where she graduated as dux in 2017.
Ann Liang’s Unforgettable Stories
Liang’s debut, If You Could See the Sun (2022), is a genre-bending tale of Alice Sun, a scholarship student at an elite Beijing boarding school who turns her sudden invisibility into a money-making scheme. Infused with magical realism and academic rivalry, the novel explores class dynamics and ambition, earning the Readings Young Adult Book Prize and a television adaptation deal, with Liang as executive producer. Her follow-up, This Time It’s Real (2023), is a rom-com about Eliza Lin, whose viral essay about love leads to a fake relationship with a famous actor, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
I Hope This Doesn’t Find You (2024) delivers a rivals-to-lovers story of Sadie Wen, whose accidental email leak sparks an unexpected bond. Liang’s adult debut, A Song to Drown Rivers (2024), a historical romance inspired by the legend of Xishi, became an instant New York Times bestseller. Her upcoming I Am Not Jessica Chen (2025) promises a dark academia twist. Liang’s style—vivid, emotionally resonant, and culturally specific—brings Beijing to life, with C-drama vibes and sharp dialogue that feel like a love letter to her roots.
Why Ann Liang Matters
Ann Liang’s work resonates because it captures the Asian diaspora experience with nuance, exploring themes of belonging, ambition, and self-discovery. Her heroines—flawed, driven, and relatable—reflect the struggles of young people navigating cultural and economic divides. By centering stories in Beijing’s international schools, Liang offers a fresh perspective in YA literature, bridging Eastern and Western narratives. Her rapid rise, with books sold in over 20 territories, signals a lasting impact on the genre, inspiring readers to embrace their own stories.
- Birth Date: March 8, 2000
- Key Works: If You Could See the Sun, This Time It’s Real, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, A Song to Drown Rivers
- Awards: Readings Young Adult Book Prize (2023), New York Times Bestseller
- Fun Fact: Liang has an American accent despite her global upbringing!
Snag If You Could See the Sun and dive into Ann Liang’s vibrant, heartfelt world of YA magic and romance!