Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird

The Art of Eastern Storytelling

Henry Lien

$32.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Norton
25 February 2025

Discussions in the West around diversity in the arts often focus on the identities of characters and creators. Speculative fiction author and writing instructor Henry Lien makes the pathbreaking argument that diversity is about more than just plopping different faces into stories that are 100 percent Western in spirit; it can-and should-encompass diverse structures, themes, and values.

Using examples ranging from Parasite to The Thousand and One Nights to the Mario video game franchise, Lien shows how storytelling staples in the West, such as the three-act structure and themes of empowerment and change, are far from universal. He introduces the East Asian four-act structure (kishotenketsu), as well as circular and nested structures, and explains how Eastern value systems such as collectivism can dictate form. Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird is essential reading for any writer or reader who wants to broaden their understanding of how to tell a satisfying story.

By: Henry Lien
Imprint: Norton
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 211mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 155g
ISBN: 9781324079101
ISBN 10: 132407910X
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 25 February 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Henry Lien is a speculative fiction author and writing instructor who teaches classes on Eastern storytelling. His writing has been nominated several times for the Andre Norton Nebula Award for speculative fiction. Born in Taiwan, he now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews for Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird: The Art of Eastern Storytelling

A refreshing wake-up call for breadth of perspective.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" With clear and compelling examples and analysis, Lien demolishes the notion that there is one Western-centric way to tell a satisfying tale. Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird is an insightful and instructive read for anyone who loves stories in all their varied and glorious forms.--Fonda Lee, author of the Green Bone Saga