Bewildering Stories introduces and welcomes...

Khoi Pham

Khoi’s life resembles that of many millions in the modern world: he was born in one country but later went to live in another. And in this case, it’s halfway around the world, from Vietnam to Germany. He feels he doesn’t quite “belong” in either country.

Likewise, he’s passionate about the beauty of mathematics and computer science but now finds himself writing poetry and fiction in English. One might encourage Khoi by saying, “You can live in both countries and do very well at some very difficult things. Don’t worry: you belong where everyone is glad to have you.”

“The Bicycle’s Chain” has a poetic flavour, because the story is not really about a bicycle; it’s about the narrator’s father, who owned and rode the bicycle for many years. Now, after long years of separation, the narrator comes home to his father’s funeral. Riding the old bicycle is an experience that reminds him how “linked” he is to his father, as though by the bicycle’s own chain, which links its pedals and wheels.

Khoi Pham’s bio sketch can be found here.

Welcome to Bewildering Stories, Khoi. We’re glad to have you with us.