68 pages 2 hours read

Liu Cixin, Transl. Ken Liu

The Three-Body Problem

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Background

Authorial Context: Cixin Liu and Chinese Science Fiction

Cixin Liu, born on June 23, 1963, is a renowned Chinese science fiction author known for his novel The Three-Body Problem and his significant contributions to the genre. Cixin Liu grew up during China’s Cultural Revolution, a period marked by political and social upheaval, as depicted in The Three-Body Problem. Despite the turbulent environment, Liu developed a passion for science fiction from a young age. He was captivated by the works of Western authors such as Jules Verne and Arthur C. Clarke, which inspired him to explore the possibilities of the genre. Liu’s writing career began in the 1980s when he started publishing science fiction stories in various magazines and anthologies. His early works reflected the influence of both Western science fiction and Chinese literary traditions. Liu’s stories often dealt with grand themes of cosmic exploration, the nature of humanity, and the impact of technology on society.

In 2008, Liu gained international recognition with the publication of his novel The Three-Body Problem. The book, originally released in China, achieved widespread acclaim for its imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking ideas. It marked the beginning of Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, which also includes The Dark Forest (2008) and Death’s End (2010).

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