Picture a Chinese American storyteller who reimagined the Wild West through a lens of vengeance and magic—meet Tom Lin! At just 25, this literary prodigy became the youngest winner of the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction with his debut novel, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu. Blending gritty Western vibes with magical realism, Lin’s work is a thrilling ride that challenges the genre’s whitewashed myths.
Born in Beijing in 1996, Lin’s journey from a curious kid in Flushing, Queens, to a celebrated novelist is as captivating as his stories. His unique perspective as a Chinese American fuels narratives that unearth forgotten histories, making him a fresh voice in American literature.
The Making of Tom Lin
Tom Wentao Lin moved to New York City at age four, growing up in the vibrant, diverse neighborhood of Flushing. His love for storytelling took root early, inspired by literary giants like John Steinbeck and Herman Melville. At Pomona College, under the mentorship of novelist Jonathan Lethem, Lin began crafting what would become his breakout novel. His ‘mortar and bricks’ writing process—layering research with imagination—shaped his distinctive style. Now pursuing a doctorate in English at UC Davis, Lin balances academic rigor with creative fire.
Tom Lin’s Unforgettable Stories
Lin’s debut, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu (2021), is a Western like no other. Set in the 1860s, it follows Ming Tsu, a Chinese American assassin seeking revenge after his wife is kidnapped by railroad tycoons. Infused with magical realism—think telepathic performers and a blind prophet—this novel subverts the genre’s tropes, spotlighting the overlooked contributions of Chinese immigrants to the American West. Critics, including Jonathan Lethem, praise its cinematic prose, comparing it to Cormac McCarthy and the Coen Brothers’ True Grit.
Lin’s meticulous research, from driving along the Transcontinental Railroad to studying historical accounts, grounds the novel in vivid detail. His prose, both lyrical and brutal, paints a West where vengeance meets redemption. While The Thousand Crimes remains his only published work as of 2025, Lin has hinted at new projects, promising more genre-bending tales.
The novel’s impact is undeniable: it won the 2022 Carnegie Medal, was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and is slated for a TV adaptation by Topic Studios. Lin’s ability to weave history, identity, and fantasy creates a narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Tom Lin Matters
Tom Lin is more than a novelist—he’s a cultural trailblazer. By centering a Chinese American protagonist in a genre dominated by white cowboys, he challenges the myths of the American West. His work highlights the erased stories of Chinese laborers who built the railroads, offering a corrective to history’s blind spots. For readers, Lin’s stories are a call to rethink identity, justice, and belonging in America.
At a time when Asian American voices are vital, Lin’s rise signals a shift toward inclusive storytelling. His blend of historical grit and magical whimsy invites readers to see the West—and themselves—in a new light.
About Tom Lin
- Born: 1996 in Beijing, China
- Key Work: The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu (2021)
- Award: 2022 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction
- Education: Pomona College; pursuing a doctorate at UC Davis
Snag The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu and dive into Tom Lin’s wild, magical West! Trust us, this is one adventure you won’t forget.