Join us for an unforgettable evening with R.F. Kuang,
The New York Times #1 bestselling author of
The Poppy War,
Babel, and
Yellowface. Kuang returns with her highly anticipated novel,
Katabasis, a dark academia fantasy where two rival graduate students must journey to Hell to rescue their professor’s soul— perhaps at the cost of their own.
In conversation, Kuang will delve into the inspirations behind
Katabasis, exploring themes of rivalry, redemption, and the boundaries between life and death. She will trace the evolution of her genre-defying storytelling, from the epic military fantasy of
The Poppy War to the hugely successful satirical thriller
Yellowface, that have captured reader’s imaginations around the globe.
RF Kuang will be in conversation with Mattea Roach, host of CBC’s
Bookends with Mattea Roach. This event will be recorded for a future episode.
Whether you are a long-time fan or new to her work, this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of today’s boldest and most boundary-breaking novelists.
Mattea Roach debuted as host of CBC’s Bookends with Mattea Roach in September 2024. Each week, they engage bestselling and emerging Canadian and international writers about their work, the world, and our place in it.
Roach is a writer, podcaster, and book lover based in Toronto. In the spring of 2022, they appeared on Jeopardy!, winning 23 games and becoming the most successful Canadian contestant in the show’s history. They also won Canada Reads in 2023, championing Kate Beaton’s graphic novel Ducks. Roach is originally from Halifax.
Purchase, Katabasis, signed Deluxe Limited Edition.
TIFA Presents 2025 Season is generously supported by Presenting Donors Beth Nowers and Jack Curtin.