Xiao Hai Reads From Memoir at Indiana University
The author and translator Tony Hao discussed Xiao Hai's memoir "Adrift in the South" at an East Asian Studies Center event.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Books
Indiana University's East Asian Studies Center hosted author Xiao Hai and translator Tony Hao for a reading of Xiao Hai's memoir "Adrift in the South" on Thursday at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. The book, Xiao Hai's first, was released in May 2026 by Granta.
Why it matters
The event gave local readers direct access to a first-person account of a migrant worker's life in China, presented in English through its translator. It also highlighted the translation work that brings contemporary Chinese writing to English-language audiences.
The reading drew roughly 20 people, and "Adrift in the South" was published in May 2026 as Xiao Hai's first book. The source does not report sales figures or how the book has performed commercially.
The players
Xiao Hai
A Chinese author who worked as a factory laborer in Shenzhen before becoming a poet and writer based in Beijing.
Tony Hao
A translator who rendered Xiao Hai's memoir into English and first discovered his work through social media in 2024.
Granta
A British literary magazine and publisher that released "Adrift in the South" and featured the essay in a special issue on contemporary Chinese literature.
The details
Hao translated Xiao Hai's essay "Adrift in the South" into English for Granta, which featured it in a special issue on contemporary Chinese literature. The evening included a slideshow of Xiao Hai's photographs, readings by Hao from the memoir, and a discussion led by Ryan Hintzman, with Zoe Xie translating for Xiao Hai.
Timeline
2016: Xiao Hai fulfilled his dream of pursuing music and literature in Beijing.
2024: Tony Hao first encountered Xiao Hai's work through social media.
May 2026: Granta released "Adrift in the South."
Thursday: The reading was held at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies.
Industry Dynamics
Granta's special issue on contemporary Chinese literature positioned Xiao Hai's essay within a wider effort to bring new Chinese voices to English-language readers. The memoir's release extends that editorial focus into a full-length book published under the same imprint.
Readers interested in the memoir can find "Adrift in the South" through its publisher, Granta, following its May 2026 release. The source does not specify retail prices, library availability, or additional reading dates.
The takeaway
Translation remains a key route for Chinese-language writing to reach English readers, and events like this one put the translator's voice alongside the author's. Readers curious about migrant experiences in China can start with the memoir itself.
Further reading
For more coverage of new releases and author events, explore Books in our entertainment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by COLUMN: 'I Love Boosters' features wacky surrealist visuals and hilarious comedy - Indiana Daily Student.
