R.F. Kuang, the acclaimed author known for her six bestsellers before the age of 30, delves into the complex ideas surrounding the afterlife in her latest novel, Katabasis. Scheduled for release on October 31, 2023, the book is a continuation of Kuang’s exploration of academia, following her successful satire of the publishing industry in Yellowface.
Raised in a Christian household, Kuang reflects on the traditional concept of heaven, which she describes as a monotonous existence devoid of stakes. “As a child, I was told when you die you go to heaven and heaven is where you eat cake all day and just get to hang out with your friends,” she explained. “And this really, really disturbed me because I think the monotony of that eternal existence was really frightening.” This perspective serves as a foundation for the narrative in Katabasis.
The story centers on Alice, a doctoral student in analytic magick at Cambridge University, who becomes fixated on obtaining a recommendation letter from her deceased department chair. In a twist reminiscent of classical literature, Alice uses a pentagram to navigate purgatory in search of her mentor. The journey is not without its challenges, as only a handful of scholars have succeeded in this perilous expedition, and Alice’s journey is complicated by her classmate and rival, Peter.
Exploring the Eight Courts of Hell
In crafting her version of hell, Kuang draws inspiration from diverse beliefs about the afterlife. The novel features the “Eight Courts of Hell,” which are intricately designed landscapes that reflect the complexities of academic life. From vast dunes to skeletal animals, the imagery is vivid and engaging. Kuang noted that she and her husband, who is also involved in academia, enjoyed brainstorming ideas for the different courts, drawing on their experiences in the academic world.
The choice of setting in the 1980s adds a layer of cultural critique. Kuang explained that this era is particularly significant due to the societal changes and political climate of the time. “I wanted my characters to be working in a space where it feels like there’s this widespread denial about the existence of structural oppression,” she stated. The novel subtly critiques the rollback of egalitarian movements that occurred during that decade.
Kuang’s insights into academia extend beyond fictional realms. She discussed the current political climate, particularly the challenges faced by universities in light of recent funding cuts and the targeting of higher education institutions. “All I can do is just keep doing my work,” she emphasized, highlighting the resilience required to continue pursuing academic endeavors despite external pressures.
Anticipation and Adaptation
The release of Katabasis has generated considerable buzz, making it a fixture on BookTok and various anticipated book lists. Plans are already in motion for an adaptation into an Amazon series, with Angela Kang, known for her work on The Walking Dead, set to lead the project. Kuang will also serve as a producer, indicating her continued investment in bringing her stories to new audiences.
Despite the excitement surrounding her work, Kuang maintains a grounded perspective. “I think I always get a little bit nervous before a book comes out,” she admitted. “But it’s just not good to dwell on that because it’s not productive at all.” Her approach reflects a commitment to the creative process, prioritizing the story over external pressures.
Overall, R.F. Kuang‘s Katabasis promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the academic experience, all wrapped in a narrative that challenges conventional understandings of the afterlife. As readers anticipate its release, Kuang’s reflections on her craft and the realities of academia resonate deeply, making her latest work a significant addition to contemporary literature.
