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Book Group

Contemporary Translated Works Book Group: THE AGE OF GOODBYES

Apr 15, 2026|12:00pm

12:00 pm PDT

Mechanics' Institute, 57 Post St., San Francisco, CA| Map (opens in a new tab)

A monthly hybrid book group hosted by Mechanics’ Institute

This book group meets hybrid and monthly, on site at Mechanics’ Institute and online via Zoom, to read and discuss contemporary works originally written in languages other than English or pertaining to the art of translation. The April selection is The Age of Goodbyes by Li Zi Shu, translated from the Chinese by YZ Chin. This novel, from one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting writers, is a wildly inventive account of family history, political turmoil, and the redemptive grace of storytelling.

Contemporary Translated Works Book Group is run in collaboration by Mechanics’ Institute and Folio: The Seattle Anthenaeum and is co-sponsored by Center for the Art of Translation.

Contemporary Translated Works Book Group 2026 Schedule

January 21: The Queen of Swords by Jazmina Barrera, translated by Christina MacSweeney

February 18: Tomb of Sand(opens in a new tab) by Geetanjali Shree, translated by Daisy Rockwell

March 18: The Week of Colors by Elena Garro, translated by Megan McDowell

April 15: The Age of Goodbyes(opens in a new tab) by Li Zi Shu, translated by YZ Chin

May 20: Celestial Bodies(opens in a new tab) by Jokha Alharthi, translated by Marilyn Booth

June 17: Slipping by Mohamed Kheir, translated by Robin Moger