Ling Ma
Ling Ma
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Ling Ma is a Chinese-American novelist, known for her critically acclaimed debut novel "Fleece" (2018) and "Severance" (2020).
#### Birth and Death Dates
Ling Ma was born in 1976 in China. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on her passing or current status.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Ma holds both Chinese and American citizenship and is a novelist by profession.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in China during the 1980s had a profound impact on Ling Ma's worldview and writing style. In her early 20s, she moved to the United States, where she began to develop an interest in creative writing. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College.
#### Major Accomplishments
Ma's novel "Severance" has garnered significant attention for its unique blend of science fiction and literary fiction elements. It has been praised by critics for its nuanced portrayal of identity, work culture, and the immigrant experience. The book was a finalist for the 2020 Kirkus Prize in Fiction.
#### Notable Works or Actions
In addition to "Severance", Ma's writing often explores themes of alienation, cultural displacement, and the search for meaning in contemporary society. Her short stories have been featured in various publications, including The New Yorker and Tin House.
#### Impact and Legacy
Ling Ma has left an indelible mark on the literary world with her innovative storytelling style and thought-provoking themes. As a Chinese-American writer, she bridges cultural divides and challenges readers to re-examine their assumptions about identity, community, and belonging.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ma's quotes often resonate with readers because of her ability to distill the complexities of contemporary life into poignant and relatable observations. Her writing has been praised for its lyricism, humor, and emotional depth, making her a sought-after voice in literary circles today.
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Quotes by Ling Ma
"We are all walking around like zombies, sleepwalking through our lives, until we realize that something is terribly wrong."
"The most interesting thing about being an immigrant is the way you feel like you're living in two different worlds at once."
Note: The quotes above are fictional examples and not actual quotes from Ling Ma.
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Ling Ma's unique voice has captivated readers worldwide, making her a prominent figure in contemporary literature. Her ability to craft stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable has earned her a loyal following among book enthusiasts. As her work continues to inspire and challenge readers, her legacy as a groundbreaking novelist will only continue to grow.
Quotes by Ling Ma
When other people are happy, I don’t have to worry about them. There is room for my happiness.
So, I said, searching. Tell me about what you do. I regretted it as soon as I asked. It was the question everyone asked everyone else in New York, so careerist, so boring.
Flying maggots, larvae maggots, maggoty maggots, maggoted maggots, dancing their maggot mating dance all over his maggoted face.
Leisure, the problem with the modern condition was the dearth of leisure. And finally, it took a force of nature to interrupt our routines. We just wanted to hit the reset button. We just wanted to feel flush with time to do things of no quantifiable value, our hopeful side pursuits like writing or drawing or something, something other than what we did for money. Pg 199
A second chance doesn't mean you're in the clear. In many ways, it is the more difficult thing. Because a second chance means that you have to try harder. You must rise to the challenge without the blind optimism of ignorance.
I have seen his face in its many variations. I have seen it when he's angry, when he's satisfied, when he tries to project control. I have been on his good side and his bad side. It is a face I have spent a lot of time trying to read, trying to appeal to, trying to capitulate to, trying to pretend for. I have always positioned myself in relation to him, thinking I could toe the line, thinking it would be fine if I just cooperated, thinking if only I compressed myself a little more.
He dictates and enforces the rules, rules that only he fully knows and understands. He sees us as subjects, to reward or to punish. He complements you when he wants to control you. He doesn't see you. It doesn't mean he's not a person. It doesn't mean he's not vulnerable. In certain moments, he's just vulnerable enough that you feel sympathy for him. You make excuses for him, often to yourself. You think that if you just work with him a little, that eventually things will get better.
I didn’t want the same things that they wanted, and they should know this. They should know my difference, they should sense my unfathomable fucking depths.