Brisbane author Siang Lu has won the prestigious Miles Franklin literary award for his novel, "Ghost Cities." This award, valued at $60,000, recognizes outstanding contributions to Australian literature. Lu's book tells the story of a young Chinese-Australian man who loses his job as a translator at the Chinese consulate after it is revealed that he cannot speak Mandarin. The incident becomes widely known on social media, leading to the character being labeled #BadChinese.

"Ghost Cities," which took ten years to publish after facing over 200 rejections, has been praised as a significant work in Australian literature. The judges described it as both a grand farce and a thoughtful exploration of diaspora experiences. They highlighted its blend of satire and wisdom.

Siang Lu, who moved from Malaysia to Brisbane with his family when he was four years old, expressed deep gratitude upon receiving the award. The judging panel for this year's Miles Franklin award included notable figures from various fields of literature and academia. The award itself was established in honor of Stella Miles Franklin to promote Australian literature's advancement and improvement.

Original article

The article about Siang Lu's award-winning novel, "Ghost Cities," provides some value to readers but falls short in several aspects.

Actionable Information: The article does not offer any specific steps or instructions for readers to take. It merely informs them about the award and the novel's journey to publication. There are no tools or resources mentioned that readers can directly utilize.

Educational Depth: While the article provides a summary of the novel's plot and includes quotes from the judges, it does not delve deeply into the literary analysis or the broader themes explored in the book. It fails to educate readers about the significance of the novel beyond its award-winning status.

Personal Relevance: The topic of the article may resonate with readers interested in Australian literature, diaspora experiences, or the publishing industry. However, for a general audience, the personal relevance is limited. It does not directly impact their daily lives or offer practical advice that can be applied to their own creative pursuits or personal situations.

Public Service Function: The article does not serve a public service function. It does not provide any official warnings, safety advice, or emergency contacts. It is purely informative about a literary award and its recipient.

Practicality of Advice: As the article does not offer any advice, the practicality of advice is not applicable in this context.

Long-Term Impact: The article's long-term impact is minimal. While it celebrates a literary achievement, it does not provide readers with ideas or actions that can have a lasting positive effect on their lives. It is more of a snapshot of a moment in time rather than a guide for long-term planning or improvement.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article may inspire readers who are interested in literature or have faced similar struggles in their creative journeys. However, it does not offer any specific strategies or support to help readers deal with their own challenges or emotions.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The article does not use sensational or misleading language. It presents the information in a straightforward manner without relying on dramatic or exaggerated claims.

In summary, the article primarily serves as an informative piece about a literary award and its recipient. While it provides some interesting details about the novel and its journey, it lacks depth in its analysis and fails to offer practical value or long-term impact for readers.

The story of Siang Lu and his novel, "Ghost Cities," reveals a deep contradiction and a potential threat to the very fabric of family and community bonds.

Lu's work, though praised for its literary merit, exposes a society where an individual's worth is measured by their social media presence and where personal failures or vulnerabilities can become a source of public ridicule and shame. This incident, which led to the character being labeled #BadChinese, breaks the trust and respect that should be afforded to every member of a community, especially when it comes to one's cultural identity and heritage.

The consequences of such a public shaming are far-reaching. It can lead to a breakdown of family unity as the individual, in this case, the young man, may feel isolated and shunned by his own kin, who might be embarrassed or afraid to associate with him. This shame and isolation can drive a wedge between family members, weakening the very foundation of their support system.

Furthermore, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, especially in a diaspora context, can force individuals to hide their true selves, their struggles, and their vulnerabilities. This suppression of authenticity can lead to a lack of genuine connection and trust within families and communities, hindering the open communication and support that are essential for a healthy social fabric.

The novel's journey to publication also raises concerns. Over 200 rejections and a decade-long wait suggest a system that may be biased or insensitive to diverse voices and experiences. If such a system were to prevail unchecked, it could discourage creative expression and the sharing of unique stories, thereby limiting the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.

The impact of this behavior, if left unaddressed, could result in a society where individuals are afraid to be their authentic selves, where family members are more concerned with public perception than with supporting and uplifting each other, and where the very act of storytelling, a fundamental human practice, is stifled.

To restore trust and duty, individuals must recognize the harm caused by public shaming and the importance of supporting one another, especially in times of vulnerability. This includes practicing empathy, understanding, and offering a helping hand rather than judgment and ridicule.

As for the author, Siang Lu, he has an opportunity to use his platform to promote these values of empathy and support, especially within the context of cultural identity and diaspora experiences. By doing so, he can help strengthen the bonds of family and community, ensuring that future generations can thrive and that the land they share is cared for and respected.

The real consequence is clear: if this behavior spreads, it will erode the very foundations of our social order, leaving families fractured, communities divided, and the land neglected. It is a path that leads to the destruction of the moral bonds that have kept people alive and thriving for generations.

"Ghost Cities," which took ten years to publish after facing over 200 rejections, has been praised as a significant work in Australian literature.

This sentence uses strong, positive words like "praised" and "significant" to make the book sound important and successful. It creates a good feeling about the book and the author. The number "200 rejections" makes the achievement seem even more impressive.

The text wants us to feel happy and proud of the author and his book. It uses words to make us think highly of it. This is a kind of bias that makes things seem better than they might be.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around the achievement of Siang Lu and the recognition of his literary work. Happiness and excitement are evident as the news of Lu's award is announced; the text describes the award as "prestigious" and valued at a substantial amount, $60,000, which adds to the sense of celebration. These emotions are further reinforced by the judges' description of the novel as a "significant work" and their praise for its unique blend of satire and wisdom.

Gratitude is another emotion that permeates the text. Siang Lu's expression of deep gratitude upon receiving the award is a key moment, highlighting his appreciation for the recognition of his hard work and the journey he undertook to publish his novel. This emotion serves to humanize Lu and create a connection with the reader, inviting them to share in his joy and sense of accomplishment.

The text also hints at a sense of relief and vindication. The novel, "Ghost Cities," faced over 200 rejections before finally being published, a fact that is sure to resonate with many aspiring writers and artists who have faced similar struggles. The award, therefore, serves as a validation of Lu's talent and perseverance, offering a sense of relief and satisfaction that his work has been recognized and appreciated.

The writer's use of emotion is strategic and persuasive. By focusing on Lu's personal story and the novel's journey to publication, the text creates a narrative that is relatable and inspiring. The repetition of the novel's title, "Ghost Cities," and the emphasis on the number of rejections it faced, serves to emphasize the challenges Lu overcame, building a sense of admiration and respect for his achievement.

Additionally, the description of the novel's content, particularly the incident that leads to the protagonist being labeled "#BadChinese," adds a layer of social commentary and critique. This element of the story likely resonates with readers who can relate to experiences of cultural identity and the pressures of social media. By exploring these themes, the text invites readers to engage with the novel's deeper meanings and the broader issues it addresses, further enhancing the emotional impact and guiding readers towards a deeper appreciation of Lu's work.