Five recent Chinese books in translation apply different prisms — pictures, poetry, fiction, memoir — to draw narratives out of complicated personal and political histories.

Chinese writers have long used fiction to process trauma, both historical and personal. In these five newly translated titles, the trend continues in modern settings, from sexual abuse in Taiwan to linguistic displacement in Hong Kong.

Our columnist picks another five recently translated titles — from Hong Kong tea house poetry to a self-help seal — and reviews the state of the (diminishing) field.

Our pick of five recent fiction books translated from Chinese into English, from donkeys that see ghosts to a dystopian vision of Hong Kong.