About the Book

Siang Lu’s Ghost Cities is a genre-defying novel that weaves together modern satire and ancient allegory to explore themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. The narrative follows Xiang, a Chinese-Australian man fired from his consulate job for relying on Google Translate, who becomes an internet sensation under the hashtag #BadChinese. His journey leads him to Port Man Tou, a fictional Chinese ghost city repurposed as a massive film set, where he becomes entangled in a surreal production directed by the eccentric Baby Bao. Parallel to this is a fantastical tale of an ancient emperor obsessed with immortality and control, featuring sentient mountains and labyrinthine quests. Lu’s novel satirizes late capitalism, cultural dislocation, and the construction of narratives, both personal and political. Through its inventive structure and metafictional elements, Ghost Cities offers a profound commentary on the absurdities of modern life and the enduring human desire to find meaning amidst chaos.

Event Details

When: Friday, 30 May · 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Where: Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE), 8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta NSW 2150

This is a free event, but registrations are essential! Please join us from 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Light refreshments will be provided. Reserve your spot via the link below.