Sci-fi writing to boom in China, Turkey: Liu Cixin

Sci-fi author Liu Cixin [Photo/China Daily]

Liu Cixin, author of Chinese sci-fi bestseller "The Three-Body Problem," said here on Saturday that sci-fi writing will flourish one day in China and Turkey.

In a dialog with his Turkish counterpart Baris Mustecaplioglu, Liu referred to signs of the United States losing its vigor as the center of world sci-fi literature, pointing to opportunities, challenges and uncertainty facing China and Turkey, two countries now in a rapid process of modernization.

"Science fiction writing is a genre of literature that describes changes," Liu explained. "Regions and countries undergoing rapid changes and progress have fertile lands for sci-fi works."

The US was in the same state when it ushered in a golden age for its sci-fi writing from early 1940 to 1950s, Liu noted.

Mustecaplioglu, known for his "Perg Efsaneleri: Korkak ve Canavar," also said works from the East should have more attention with Western sci-fi writing in a state of stagnation.

"The Three-Body Problem" made Liu the first Asian writer to win the Hugo Award, deemed as the highest honor for sci-fi works along with the Nebula Awards, in August.

The book, a three-part series that portrays the centuries of clashes between earthlings and the Trisolaran civilization living in a three-sun system, had its Turkish edition on sale on Saturday as an international book fair opened at Istanbul's Tuyap Exhibition Center.