Picture a poet weaving intricate tapestries of identity, love, and language with the precision of a fencer’s thrust—meet Mary Jean Chan! This British Chinese poet has captivated readers with her award-winning collections, exploring the intersections of queerness, cultural heritage, and the immigrant experience. From Hong Kong to Oxford, Chan’s journey from reluctant business student to celebrated voice in contemporary poetry is as inspiring as her evocative verses.
The Making of Mary Jean Chan
Born in 1990 in Hong Kong, Mary Jean Chan grew up bilingual, navigating Cantonese and English in a city shaped by colonial history. Initially pressured into studying business at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chan felt out of place until a pivotal decision to pursue her passion for poetry led her to Swarthmore College in the U.S., where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Science in 2012. Her love for poetry deepened through workshops and slam poetry, eventually guiding her to advanced degrees in Creative Writing at Oxford and Royal Holloway, University of London. Influences like Adrienne Rich and Mary Oliver sparked her lifelong devotion to crafting words that resonate with emotional and intellectual depth.
Mary Jean Chan’s Unforgettable Poetry
Chan’s debut collection, Flèche (Faber & Faber, 2019), is a masterful exploration of queerness, diaspora, and familial ties, structured around the metaphor of fencing—a sport Chan practiced for twelve years. The collection’s sharp, lyrical verses won the 2019 Costa Book Award for Poetry and earned nominations for prestigious prizes like the International Dylan Thomas Prize. Her 2018 pamphlet, A Hurry of English, a Poetry Book Society Summer Choice, delves into the tension between personal desires and familial duty, showcasing her crystalline language. In 2023, Bright Fear (Faber & Faber) confronted themes of grief and hope, earning acclaim as a Guardian Best Poetry Book and a Forward Prize shortlist spot. Chan also co-edited 100 Queer Poems (Vintage, 2022) with Andrew McMillan, amplifying diverse voices. Her style blends formal rigor with raw emotion, often incorporating Chinese characters to challenge linguistic hegemony and reflect her bilingual identity.
Chan’s poetry is psychologically astute, weaving personal narratives with broader cultural critiques. She explores the complexities of being a queer Chinese poet in a postcolonial world, using split forms and multilingual elements to mirror internal and societal rifts. Her work invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while finding solace in the transformative power of language.
Why Mary Jean Chan Matters
Mary Jean Chan’s impact extends beyond her pages. As a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and a 2023 Booker Prize judge, she shapes literary discourse while advocating for marginalized voices. Her poetry resonates with readers navigating hybrid identities, offering a beacon for those grappling with queerness or diaspora. By blending personal vulnerability with universal themes, Chan redefines contemporary poetry, making it a space for healing and rebellion. Her work challenges readers to embrace their complexities, proving poetry is, as she says, “not a luxury” but a vital force for change.
- Born: 1990, Hong Kong
- Key Works: Flèche (2019), Bright Fear (2023), 100 Queer Poems (2022)
- Awards: Costa Book Award for Poetry (2019), Eric Gregory Award (2019)
- Fun Fact: Chan was a competitive fencer for twelve years!
About Mary Jean Chan
Ready to dive into Mary Jean Chan’s lyrical world? Snag Flèche or Bright Fear and let her poetry spark your own journey of discovery!