Liu Cixin, Chinese science fiction master

He is on the cover of the latest issue of Métal Hurlant, Vacances Métalliques. The great novelist, the great novelist, the Chinese Liu Cixin, has established himself as a major author. In English, his novels have sold millions of copies. His books have outsold all the literature published by China since the founding of the country.

Evidence of its influence is that it was adapted by Netflix last March. The TV series is based on his literary epic. Three-body problem Just renewed for two seasons, this trilogy, published in French by Actes Sud, has sold 400,000 copies.

Performance When we know that Liu Cixin writes hard science. This represents a challenge to science fiction based on reliable scientific concepts. His work can be compared to that of Arthur C. Clarke, the father of “2001 Space Odysseys”. He also claims to be related to this author as well as to Jules Verne, whom he also loves.

Success built on the love of knowledge

You have to read Three-body problem To understand the magic of Liu Cixin. His characters as well as his worlds are fascinating. We realize that some concepts of physics become understandable to the general public. Scientific problems are used as dramatic transformations. His ambition is to convey the poetry of science through his texts.
Liu Cixin talks at length about his relationship with science fiction in an interview with the magazine Podcast It's More Than Just SFTranslated by Gwenaël Gavrique, his French translator.

Liu Zixin is also involved in China's soft power.

Just like the United States with Hollywood, science fiction is a source of influence in the Middle Kingdom. This proves that China is at the forefront of science and technology. Liu Cixin is admired by world leaders such as Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg. When asked if he promotes his country through his novels, the Shanxi native said no. For him, the success of his famous trilogy in the West can be explained above all by the fact that it speaks of the human being as a whole.

However, Liu Cixin is also involved in politics. He has angered several US senators after an interview in the New Yorker. His defense of the Chinese government’s policy regarding the Uyghur minority has been controversial. The promotion of his Netflix series has suffered. This is the only downside to the author’s currently fast-paced career.

In short, take advantage of the summer to read. Three-body problem And to find our interview with Liu Cixin at Métal Hurlant.