Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who wove a haunting tale of identity and survival against the backdrop of 19th-century America—meet Jenny Tinghui Zhang! This Texas-based author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, a spellbinding blend of history, myth, and raw emotion that’s got readers buzzing.
Born in Changchun, China, and raised in Austin, Texas, Zhang’s unique perspective as a Chinese-American informs her vivid storytelling. Her work, especially her breakout novel, dives deep into the struggles of Chinese immigrants, making history feel achingly personal. Let’s explore how this rising star carved her path in contemporary literature.
The Making of Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s journey began in Changchun, China, before her family moved to the U.S., settling in Austin, Texas, and briefly Oxford, Mississippi. Growing up, she was steeped in stories—both the rich folklore of her heritage and the vibrant tapestry of her adopted home. She honed her craft with an MFA in nonfiction from the University of Wyoming, where she penned a popular column, Why-oming, for Catapult. Workshops at Kundiman, VONA/Voices, and Tin House further shaped her voice, blending lyrical prose with unflinching truths.
Zhang’s father sparked her debut novel when he stumbled upon a historical marker in Pierce, Idaho, detailing a tragic 1885 incident involving Chinese immigrants. His request for her to “write the story” ignited a creative fire, leading Zhang to unearth forgotten histories and weave them into her fiction.
Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s Unforgettable Stories
Zhang’s debut, Four Treasures of the Sky (2022), is a tour de force of historical fiction, set against the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The novel follows Daiyu, a young Chinese girl kidnapped and smuggled to America, who reinvents herself to survive a San Francisco brothel, Idaho’s mountains, and rampant anti-Chinese violence. Inspired by the Chinese classic Dream of the Red Chamber, Zhang’s prose is both earthy and poetic, earning praise from Ann Patchett and Jennifer Egan for its “engrossing” and “heartbreaking” depth.
Her writing style marries magical realism with stark historical truths, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and reclamation. Chinese calligraphy, a central motif in her novel, symbolizes Daiyu’s quest to “hold the brush” and tell her own story. Zhang’s shorter works, published in outlets like The Rumpus, The Cut, and Ninth Letter, showcase her versatility, tackling personal essays and fiction with equal finesse.
Zhang is currently crafting her second novel, Superfan, set to release in 2026 from Flatiron Books. While details are scarce, her fans are eager for another lyrical journey through culture and history.
Why Jenny Tinghui Zhang Matters
Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s work shines a light on the often-overlooked experiences of Chinese immigrants in 19th-century America, making her a vital voice in historical fiction. Her debut novel not only entertains but educates, exposing the brutal realities of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the resilience of those who endured it. Critics have hailed her as a “new voice” for her ability to blend myth and history, creating stories that resonate in today’s conversations about identity and belonging.
As a Kundiman fellow and National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, Zhang is paving the way for diverse narratives in literature. Her meticulous research and emotional storytelling invite readers to confront hard truths while celebrating the power of self-reclamation. With her next novel on the horizon, Zhang’s influence is only growing.
- Born: Changchun, China
- Key Work: Four Treasures of the Sky (2022)
- Upcoming: Superfan (2026)
- Awards: National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree
About Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Snag Four Treasures of the Sky and dive into Jenny Tinghui Zhang’s lush, heartbreaking world of historical fiction! Her stories will linger long after the last page.