American essayist and novelist residing in China since 1994. His writing philosophy is big concept, discriminating, provocative. His influences are Ballard, Beckett, Borges, Dick, Kafka, Hesse, Melville, Mishima, Sade, and all uncompromising authors who bulldoze their way into new territory. And, of course, it all begins with Shakespeare.
The Tao of Poison. “An erotic, action-packed historical novel…centered on a powerful heroine.” — BlueInk Review
Sexual Fascism: Essays: “An impassioned, thought-provoking manifesto that’s brave enough to raise scandalous questions.” — Kirkus Reviews
The Mustachioed Woman of Shanghai. A novel: “Readers who enjoy quirky, erotic mysteries will savor this tale.” — BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly
Confucius and Opium — China Book Reviews: “An offbeat, erudite work of China-centered literary criticism.” — Kirkus Reviews
The Kitchens of Canton. A novel: “An insightful, unconventional, and risqué view of present-day culture.” — Kirkus Reviews
American Rococo — Essays on the Edge: “Food for thought, elegantly prepared.” — Kirkus Reviews
At the Teahouse Café — Essays from the Middle Kingdom: “Insights into a culture that is notoriously opaque to outsiders.” — Kirkus Reviews
Massage and the Writer: “Fascinating portrait…into the titillating establishments the world has to offer.” — Kirkus Reviews
The Exact Unknown and Other Tales of Modern China: “A surreal compilation of tales about sex, love, and money in the Far East.” — Kirkus Reviews
Lust & Philosophy: “A visceral novel that explores many different lusts and cultures.” — Kirkus Reviews
ISHAM COOK 
time, and the years that pass with it rob us all of elasticity. curse the tick tock of the clock.
How to write? What is the process?
Dear Isham, A very smart point of view. A joy reading you. Asia has got that eroticizing effect, doesn’t it? But you consider the angles. Like I said, smart. Reminds me a little of Casanova’s memoirs. Sexy and questioning. Interesting and engaged. I’ve been here in China lots of years too. Not that I’ve taken my remedy exactly like yours, but I’ve been educated in ways I never would have been back home. Examining that (and of course other things) has stirred me to write more productively here than I ever have. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that I’ve put your site on my blog list of recommended sites. My 5 readers will be grateful. Best, Rob
Thank you, Rob. Hope you can build your base beyond 5 readers.
Nice, unconventional, blog.
Is there a way to order The Exact Unknown from within China? I am new to the country and am hoping to avoid waiting weeks for delivery. — I didn’t notice contact or order info —
Hi Isham, I enjoy your writing a lot. What do you look for in China fiction? What would your advice be to someone who wants to write a novel set in China?
Oh, these are big questions. First of all, I suggest that the author spend some time in China and develop relationships with Chinese people. After that, that depends on what the writer’s agenda is.
No agenda except to write a good book, I’ve been in China for years, I’m mainly just interested to hear what you look for in China fiction. Possibly an unanswerable question, but just figured I’d ask.
As a writer of fiction and nonfiction set in China, I have my own take on things can’t speak for others. My latest review (“The Literature of Paralysis”) shows you how I react to several recent books; I liked Barker’s The Incarnations. If you read any of my fiction (Lust & Philosophy, The Exact Unknown, and the current novel I’m working on, The Kitchens of Canton (Ch. 3 out in a couple days), you’ll understand what I like. Obviously, my books represent the kind of China fiction I envision; that’s why I’m writing them.