31 May 2025

Digital Twin: Liann Zhang, Julie Chan is Dead

From Saturday Morning, 9:08 am on 31 May 2025

Photo: Bloomsbury

Psychological thriller writer Liann Zhang's debut novel Julie Chan is Dead satirises Instagram and Tiktok stars, social media, status and obsession.

When Julie Chan steals her dead identical twin's internet sensation persona she inherits her sponsorship deals, her followers, her wealth, her whole life.  Julie Chan had nothing. Her twin sister has everything.

Liann Zhang is a second-generation Chinese Canadian, who after a short stint as a skincare content creator, graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Liann speaks with Susie.

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to Saturday Morning

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)