On Tuesday, April 30th at 7 pm, Lost City Books in Washington D.C. will host the Small Press Fiction Book Club to discuss the short story collection Kitchen Curse by acclaimed Indonesian author Eka Kurniawan. This event offers a rare opportunity to delve into Kurniawan's first work translated into English, published by the prestigious independent press Verso Books. Kitchen Curse was nominated for the prestigious Man Booker International Prize, showcasing Kurniawan's wildly imaginative and boundary-pushing fiction. The stories explore everything from the haunting dreams of an ex-sex worker to victims of anti-communist genocide to the inner lives of animals and even inanimate objects. Kurniawan's writing is hailed as dark, visceral, scatological, violent yet mordantly funny - fractured fables that burrow into the reader's psyche. His characters and insights feel at once familiarly human yet twisted in peculiar ways that linger long after reading. Fans of edgy, transgressive literature will revel in deconstructing Kurniawan's unique voice and perspective through these Indonesian tales. The event allows readers to collectively unpack complex themes around politics, myth, sexuality, and more through a cultural lens distinct from the Western canon. Whether you're already a devotee of international fiction or simply crave an introduction to fresh, challenging narratives, this book club promises an engrossing discussion you won't want to miss. Immerse yourself in Kurniawan's singular vision by attending.