Hsien Yung Pai

Born in Guilin, Guangxi, Hsien Yung Pai is a celebrated Taiwanese writer and playwright, famous for his novels Taipei People and Crystal Boys. He is a prominent literary figure of the 20th century, highly regarded by renowned writers and critics such as Yu Guangzhong and Xia Zhicun. His works predominantly explore Taiwanese society and human nature, incorporating elements of realism and autobiography. In recent years, he has shifted from fiction writing to book reviews. Since 2006, he has been dedicated to writing a biography of his father, general Bai Chongxi, producing works like Father and the Republic: General Bai Chongxi’s Life Stories and Clouds and Moon Over Eight Thousand Miles.

In his early works, Hsien Yung Pai was influenced by Western literature, displaying a strong personal and fantastical touch. In his later works, he integrated traditional Chinese elements into modern settings, emphasising the reality and historical context of his stories. He is one of the leading realistic writers in Taiwan’s modernist literary movement, drawing profound inspiration from his domestic and international experiences.

His major novel, Crystal Boys, is one of the most representative and influential works in Taiwanese queer literature, depicting the emotional conflicts and complex thoughts of the protagonist in the face of mainstream society. The novel has been adapted into movies, TV dramas and stage plays.