The Three-Body Problem is a science fiction novel written by Liu Cixin. The story is set in China during the Cultural Revolution and follows a group of scientists who discover that Earth is under threat from an alien civilization. As humanity prepares for an impending invasion, the narrative explores themes of physics, philosophy, and the consequences of first contact with an extraterrestrial species. This thought-provoking book is the first installment in a trilogy that has gained international acclaim.