Ep. 135: Chinese Century Romanticism w/ Olivia Kan-Sperling

In this episode, Alexi is joined by writer, editor, and dear friend Olivia Kan-Sperling to discuss the aesthetic universe of her brand new novel, Little Pink Book, a lyrical and decadent romantic tragedy set in Shanghai. In unpacking her wide range of influences, we explore shabby chic Orientalism, avant garde florists, Chinese romantasy web novels, baroque bespoke beverages, the emerging field of Wasian studies, the triggering qualities of Clairo’s “Pretty Girl” music video, the possibility of Labubu as a literary format, and much more. Links:Image boardLittle Pink Book by Olivia Kan-Sperling from Simon and SchusterOlivia’s websiteOlivia on Instagram @dianadiagramAlexi’s interview with Olivia in Interview magazineDiane Severin Nguyen: In Her Time (Iris’s Version)Empire of Signs by Roland BarthesMolly Tea’s domineering CEO romance receipt promo via Dr. Candise LinThe Architecture of Taste by Pierre Hermé - Lecture to the Harvard Graduate School of Design (2013)Julian Castronovo review of Little Pink Book in BOMB magazineShanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese by Byung-Chul Han This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe