Picture a Singaporean storyteller who spun tales of counterfeit handbags and artisanal soy sauce into literary gold—meet Kirstin Chen! This New York Times bestselling author has charmed readers with her sharp wit and poignant explorations of cultural identity, crafting novels that bridge East and West with a playful yet profound touch.
Born and raised in Singapore, Chen’s journey from a curious reader to a celebrated novelist is as captivating as her stories. Her works, including the Reese Witherspoon-approved Counterfeit and the Oprah-endorsed Soy Sauce for Beginners, have earned her a spot in the hearts of readers and critics alike.
The Making of Kirstin Chen
Kirstin Chen grew up in Singapore, where creative writing wasn’t exactly a school staple in the test-driven 1980s and 1990s. At 15, she ventured to the United States for boarding school, later earning a BA in comparative literature and creative writing from Stanford University and an MFA from Emerson College. Initially, Chen didn’t dream of being a novelist—she planned to read voraciously, then snag a “sensible” job. But a short story written during her MFA, set in her homeland, sparked the idea for her debut novel, revealing her knack for weaving personal and cultural narratives.
Kirstin Chen’s Unforgettable Stories
Chen’s novels are a delightful blend of humor, heart, and moral complexity, often exploring the tension between personal ambition and cultural expectations. Her debut, Soy Sauce for Beginners (2014), follows Gretchen, a young woman navigating her family’s artisanal soy sauce business in Singapore after leaving her crumbling marriage in San Francisco. Critics praised its vivid depiction of Singaporean life and its tender look at family and tradition.
In Bury What We Cannot Take (2018), Chen shifts to historical fiction, tracing a family’s harrowing escape from 1950s Maoist China. The novel, lauded by Harper’s Bazaar as “complex and rich,” showcases her ability to tackle weighty themes with nuance. Her latest, Counterfeit (2022), is a stylish caper about two Asian American women running a fake handbag empire. A Reese’s Book Club pick, it’s been celebrated for its sly deconstruction of the American dream and the model minority myth. Chen’s upcoming novel, Tech Wives, promises to dive into the cutthroat world of tech founders and their unsung partners.
Chen’s style is approachable yet incisive, blending lighthearted plots with sharp social commentary. Her characters—often women grappling with identity and ambition—resonate across cultures, making her a standout in contemporary fiction.
Why Kirstin Chen Matters
Kirstin Chen’s work transcends borders, offering a fresh perspective on the Asian and Asian American experience. By challenging stereotypes like the model minority myth, she invites readers to question societal norms with a wink and a nod. Her novels have not only topped bestseller lists but also sparked conversations about identity, class, and authenticity, earning her fellowships from Sewanee, Hedgebrook, and the National Arts Council of Singapore. As a professor at the University of San Francisco, she inspires the next generation of writers to find their voices.
- Born: Singapore
- Key Works: Soy Sauce for Beginners, Bury What We Cannot Take, Counterfeit
- Awards: Steinbeck Fellows Program, Sewanee, Hedgebrook, National Arts Council of Singapore
Ready to dive into Kirstin Chen’s world of witty scams and soulful searches for home? Snag Counterfeit or Soy Sauce for Beginners and let her vibrant storytelling sweep you away!