China Week 2025 Book talk - Call me Ishmaelle by Xiaolu Guo  

Call Me Ishmaelle reimagines the epic battle between man and nature in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick from a female perspective. As the American Civil War breaks out in 1861, Ishmaelle boards the Nimrod, a whaling ship led by Captain Seneca, a Black free man of heroic stature who is haunted by a tragic past. Here, she finds protectors in Polynesian harpooner, Kauri, and Taoist monk, Muzi, whose readings of the I-Ching guide their quest. Through the bloody male violence of whaling, and the unveiling of her feminine identity, Ishmaelle realises there is a mysterious bond between herself and the mythical white whale, Moby Dick. Xiaolu Guo has crafted a dramatically different, feminist narrative that stands alongside the original while offering a powerful exploration of nature, gender and human purpose.  

The Lau China Institute are excited to welcome well-known author, Xiaolu Guo, for a presentation of her new book ‘Call Me Ishmaelle’ as part of this year’s China Week. Xiaolu Guo will be in conversation with Dr Yanran Yao, Lecturer in China, Gender, Politics & Civil Society at the Lau China Institute, King’s College London.   

Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day.  

Tickets £5. This event will be followed by a drinks reception.  

Please note this is an in-person event only. Registration is required.