Picture a Hong Kong-born, Vancouver-raised storyteller who weaves tales of cultural identity and human resilience—meet Kevin Chong! With a knack for blending humor, heart, and metafiction, Chong has carved a unique space in literary fiction and memoir. His novels, like the Giller Prize-finalist The Double Life of Benson Yu, captivate readers with their emotional depth and playful narratives.
As an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, Chong not only crafts award-winning stories but also inspires the next generation of writers. His journey from a young immigrant to a celebrated author is as compelling as the worlds he creates.
The Making of Kevin Chong
Born in Hong Kong in 1975, Kevin Chong moved to Vancouver with his family in 1977, growing up in a city vibrant with cultural contrasts. His passion for storytelling led him to the University of British Columbia, where he earned a BA in Creative Writing in 1997, followed by an MFA from Columbia University in 2000. These formative years shaped his sharp, introspective voice, influenced by his dual identity as a first- and fourth-generation Canadian.
Chong’s early career as a freelance journalist for outlets like The Guardian and The Walrus honed his ability to capture human experiences with wit and clarity. His leap into fiction with Baroque-a-Nova in 2001 marked the start of a prolific literary journey.
Kevin Chong’s Unforgettable Stories
Chong’s bibliography sparkles with versatility, spanning novels, memoirs, and creative nonfiction. His debut, Baroque-a-Nova, is a coming-of-age tale laced with humor, following a teen navigating a pop-culture family’s dysfunction. Critics praised its “laugh-out-loud awesome” take on suburban life. In The Double Life of Benson Yu (2023), Chong masterfully blends metafiction and trauma, exploring a graphic novelist’s struggle with memory and reality—a work that earned a spot on the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize shortlist.
The Plague (2018), inspired by Camus, reimagines a modern Vancouver quarantine with dark humor and political bite, showcasing Chong’s knack for tackling big themes through intimate lenses. His memoir My Year of the Racehorse (2012) is a quirky, heartfelt dive into his unexpected venture into horse racing, blending personal reflection with cultural commentary. Chong’s style—wry, layered, and deeply human—consistently probes identity, resilience, and the messy beauty of life.
His works have been celebrated as books of the year by The Globe and Mail and National Post, optioned for film, and published across the US, Europe, and Australia. Whether through fiction or nonfiction, Chong invites readers to wrestle with questions of heritage and healing.
Why Kevin Chong Matters
Kevin Chong’s impact lies in his ability to bridge cultures and generations, offering nuanced takes on Asian-Canadian identity. His stories resonate with readers grappling with their own hyphenated identities, while his playful narratives make heavy themes accessible. As a professor at UBC Okanagan, he shapes aspiring writers, fostering voices that reflect diverse experiences.
Chong’s work also amplifies Asian Heritage Month discussions, highlighting the emotional labor of cultural representation. His Giller Prize nod and international acclaim cement his role as a vital voice in contemporary literature, proving that stories of resilience and identity can be both profound and delightfully entertaining.
About Kevin Chong
- Born: 1975 in Hong Kong, raised in Vancouver
- Key Works: The Double Life of Benson Yu, The Plague, Baroque-a-Nova, My Year of the Racehorse
- Awards: Finalist for the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize, shortlisted for Hubert Evans Fiction Prize
- Current Role: Associate Professor at UBC Okanagan
Ready to dive into Chong’s witty, soulful world? Snag The Double Life of Benson Yu and discover why this storyteller’s voice is one you won’t forget!