Picture a Thai storyteller who weaves strange cities and queer futures into spellbinding tales—meet Benjanun Sriduangkaew! This speculative fiction author burst onto the scene with her 2014 novella Scale-Bright, a lyrical blend of Chinese mythology and urban fantasy that earned her nominations for the Campbell and British SF Association Awards. Known for her poetic prose and fierce exploration of identity, Sriduangkaew’s work is a vibrant tapestry of science fiction and fantasy that captivates readers worldwide.
With a voice that’s both unapologetic and avant-garde, Sriduangkaew crafts stories that pulse with complex female characters and challenge norms around gender, colonialism, and power. Her writing is a love letter to the unconventional, making her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary speculative fiction.
The Making of Benjanun Sriduangkaew
Born in Pattani province in southern Thailand, Sriduangkaew grew up steeped in Southeast Asian culture, which deeply influences her world-building. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Bangkok, she worked in dynamic cities like Manila, Jakarta, and Hong Kong, experiences that shaped her fascination with urban landscapes and futuristic settings. Her journey into writing began in 2012 with the short story 'Courtship in the Country of the Machine Gods,' published in The Future Fire. This marked the start of a prolific career, as her vivid storytelling quickly caught the attention of speculative fiction fans and editors alike.
Benjanun Sriduangkaew’s Unforgettable Stories
Sriduangkaew’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction, spanning short stories, novellas, and novels. Her debut novella, Scale-Bright (2014), reimagines Chinese myths in a modern Hong Kong, following a young woman navigating love and divine feuds. Critics, like Niall Alexander at Tor.com, praised its 'delicately drawn characters' and 'affecting narrative.' Her science fiction shines in And Shall Machines Surrender (2019), a cyberpunk tale set on the Dyson sphere Shenzhen, exploring AI worship and human ambition.
Winterglass (2017), a sci-fantasy retelling of The Snow Queen, showcases her knack for blending myth with queer narratives, as a warrior fights to save her homeland from a chilling tyrant. Her short fiction, appearing in Clarkesworld, Tor.com, and anthologies like Heiresses of Russ, is equally compelling, often weaving themes of resistance and post-colonialism with lush, poetic prose. Sriduangkaew’s style—described as 'lustrous beauty meets edgy technology'—merges dreamlike settings with militant undertones, creating worlds that feel both intimate and expansive.
Her stories often center queer women, offering representation that resonates deeply with readers. Whether it’s the militant intimacy of 'The Beast at the End of Time' or the mythic romance of Scale-Bright, her work challenges hegemonic norms and celebrates marginalized voices.
Why Benjanun Sriduangkaew Matters
Sriduangkaew’s impact on speculative fiction lies in her fearless storytelling and commitment to #OwnVoices narratives. Her work amplifies queer and Southeast Asian perspectives, enriching a genre often dominated by Western voices. By blending Buddhist and Hindi influences with futuristic themes, she creates worlds that feel both ancient and cutting-edge. Her nominations for prestigious awards and inclusion in year’s best collections underscore her influence, while her advocacy for diverse representation inspires new writers to challenge conventions.
Despite controversies surrounding her online presence, Sriduangkaew’s literary contributions remain undeniable. Her stories invite readers to question power structures and embrace the beauty of the strange, making her a vital voice in speculative fiction.
- Born: Pattani, Thailand
- Key Works: Scale-Bright, Winterglass, And Shall Machines Surrender
- Awards: Finalist for Campbell Award (2014), BSFA Award nominee (2014)
Snag Scale-Bright or dive into Sriduangkaew’s short stories on Clarkesworld to experience her dazzling speculative fiction!