Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who weaves raw, intimate tales of love, failure, and identity—meet Bonnie Chau! Born and raised in the sun-soaked suburbs of Southern California, Chau’s debut short story collection, All Roads Lead to Blood (2018), marked her as a bold voice in contemporary Asian-American literature. With a knack for blending gritty realism with poetic flair, she captures the messy beauty of human connection.
Chau’s work isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about excavating the spaces between cultures, generations, and selves. Her stories resonate with readers who crave honest portrayals of second-generation experiences, making her a rising star in literary circles. Let’s dive into her journey, from her Orange County roots to her lasting impact on modern fiction.
The Making of Bonnie Chau
Growing up in Irvine, California, Bonnie Chau was immersed in a bilingual household, speaking English and Mandarin. This cultural duality shaped her perspective, though she initially resisted her Chinese heritage, favoring French as a “chosen” language. Her love for literature bloomed at UCLA, where she studied art history and English literature, sharpening her voice as an opinion columnist for the Daily Bruin. After running writing programs at 826LA and teaching in France, Chau pursued an MFA in fiction and literary translation at Columbia University, where her passion for storytelling and translation took flight.
Influenced by authors like Daphne du Maurier and the thrilling worlds of Christopher Pike, Chau began crafting stories that explore failure and desire with unflinching honesty. Her time in independent bookstores, from BookCourt to McNally Jackson, fueled her love for recommending Asian diasporic voices, setting the stage for her own literary breakthrough.
Bonnie Chau’s Unforgettable Stories
Chau’s debut, All Roads Lead to Blood, is a collection of 16 short stories that dive deep into the lives of young women navigating love, loss, and identity. Published in 2018, it won the inaugural 2040 Books Prize and earned praise for its “honest and arresting” prose. Stories like “Stevie Versus The Negative Space” use wry humor and intricate details to reveal the evolving shapes of relationships, cutting away the excess to expose raw truths.
Her short fiction has appeared in journals like Joyland, The Offing, and Fence, showcasing her versatility. From exploring second-generation Chinese-American experiences to tackling universal themes of alienation, Chau’s style is both intimate and expansive, blending visceral imagery with sharp psychological insights. Her essays, including a piece on translation for Epiphany Magazine, reflect her growing interest in language as a bridge between cultures.
As a translator, Chau works with French and Chinese texts, notably tackling Anni Baobei’s internet fiction from the late 1990s. Her translations challenge notions of “literariness,” amplifying marginalized voices. With new projects in the works, including essays and potential collections, Chau continues to push boundaries in fiction and translation.
Why Bonnie Chau Matters
Bonnie Chau’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to the complexities of Asian-American identity while crafting stories that resonate universally. Her work captures the struggles of second-generation immigrants with authenticity, earning her a dedicated following among readers and writers alike. By championing Asian diasporic literature as a bookseller and editor at Public Books, Chau amplifies underrepresented voices, enriching the literary landscape.
Her fellowships from Kundiman, the American Literary Translators Association, and Vermont Studio Center highlight her growing influence. For readers, Chau’s stories are a mirror and a window—reflecting personal struggles and opening new perspectives on human connection. Her legacy is one of courage, curiosity, and a commitment to storytelling that transcends borders.
- Born: Irvine, California
- Key Work: All Roads Lead to Blood (2018)
- Awards: 2040 Books Prize, Kundiman Fellowship
- Notable Journals: Joyland, The Offing, Fence
About Bonnie Chau
Ready to dive into Bonnie Chau’s world? Snag All Roads Lead to Blood and lose yourself in her witty, heartfelt stories!