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Set largely in China, readers become acquainted with the families of Sparrow and Kai at the Shanghai Conservatory in the 1960s, pulling the narrative forward from the Communist Revolution to the demonstrations at Tiananmen Square and even providing updates after that event. The book shows a relationship between mathematics and music. As a genealogist, I was particularly drawn to the mentions of the Book of Records. As a musician, I was drawn to the rest of the story. The writing was strong. A more in depth knowledge of twentieth century Chinese history would make the work more enjoyable than it already was. The book was well deserving of its shortlisting for the Man Booker Prize. Thien's magnum opus reminded me of The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes, a fictionalized biography of Shostakovich trying to survive under the thumb of Stalin. Thien's book is an ambitious, multi generational, multi layered story, beginning in Vancouver but focusing on the cultural revolution in China. Thien's quiet writing belies the emotional depth of a story that describes people trying to endure and retain their human spirit through their love of music and art. It is advisable to pay attention because, although brilliant, this is not an easy read that has many characters and a lot happening with the risk of significant ramifications. By the time I reached the events at Tiananmen Square I was completely hooked. I wish I had known more about Chinese history and government before I started. This is a novel of epic scope and ambition, a complex family story that starts in the China of the 1950s and ends in the present day. The pivotal events are the Cultural Revolution, and specifically the destruction of the Shanghai Conservatory and the denunciations of the musicians there, and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and their violent aftermath. There are also many other themes largely musical but also some intriguing digressions on Chinese writing and mathematics. Thien's characters are memorable and I found the book compulsively readable and moving. For most of the book I thought this was one of the best books I had read all year, but later I felt a little let down, firstly because of a glaring factual error in which she claims that Bach and Busoni were born 300 years apart the true figure is no more than 181 and also because the story lost a little impetus and clarity of focus towards the end. I still think it is the best book on the Booker shortlist and would make a worthy winner. This is a wonderful written family saga of recent Chinese history with a lovely focus on music, epic novels and love. A young man watches China transform after a brutal civil war, falls in love with western music, endures the Cultural Revolution and throughout the events leading up the Tienanmen Square massacre. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeline Thien is a multi generational novel about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and afterwards that puts all other multi generational novels to shame. It's really good, combining wonderful and vibrant character studies with excellent writing and story structure. Thien deserves all the praise she's received for this book. Marie is a girl living Vancouver, Canada, with her mother, her father having returned to China and committed suicide, when they are joined by Ai ming, a college student fleeing China in the aftermath of Tiananmen Square. She leaves them to go to the US in hopes of being granted asylum and Marie never sees her again. In adulthood, Marie undertakes a search for Ai ming, who may have returned to China. As her search goes on, the story is told of how Ai ming and Marie's family were connected and goes further back to the story of Ai ming's parents and grandparents, as they survive WWII, Mao's reign as dictator and on into the turmoil of Tiananmen Square. It's a lot of history, and a quantity of characters, but Thien juggles the storylines adeptly and makes each character from Big Mother Knife to Marie herself, vivid and complex. This is a novel well worth reading. Also, it's a page turner.
If you liked Do Not Say We Have Nothing, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962-1976' by Frank Dikotter provides a detailed account of the Cultural Revolution in China under Mao's rule. It delves into the societal upheaval orchestrated by Mao against his perceived enemies within the party and army, leading to mass social chaos and political purges. The author chronicles the events unfolding during this period, highlighting the manipulation of the masses and the authoritarian control exerted by Mao to maintain power. Through a narrative that combines firsthand accounts and historical analysis, the book exposes the dark and disturbing aspects of the Cultural Revolution, shedding light on how unchecked leadership can lead to devastating consequences within a society.
At the heart of Beijing, a vast, monolithic building with marble columns and pillars casts a shadow over Tiananmen Square, much as the Communist Party of China dominates the political life of the coun... - #2
Save:'Land of Big Numbers: Stories' by Te-Ping Chen is a collection of ten short stories set in contemporary China, exploring the lives of ordinary men and women facing various challenges and struggles in a society focused on progress and economic development. The stories offer a diverse portrayal of Chinese society, blending elements of magical realism with poignant narratives that delve into themes of hope, resilience, and the complexities of everyday life in China.
The hour of our birth had been carefully forecast, a winter’s day cesarean timed to coincide with Dr. Feng’s lunch break. The doctor pulled me out first, indignant, squalling, like a hotel guest inexp... - #3
Save:"How Much of These Hills Is Gold" by C. Pam Zhang is a novel set in the American West just after the Gold Rush, following the journey of two Chinese American siblings, Lucy and Sam, as they navigate the challenges of being orphaned in a harsh and unwelcoming environment. The story delves into themes of family, immigration, gender roles, and the search for identity, all while exploring the complexities of the characters' past and present through a mix of flashbacks and current events. The writing style is described as highly stylized and poetic, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and a narrative that weaves together elements of mysticism and survival in a bleak yet compelling manner.
“Sorry,” she says to Ba in his bed. The sheet that tucks him is the only clean stretch in this dim and dusty shack, every surface black with coal. Ba didn’t heed the mess while living and in death his... - #4
Save:Memory, Ji Bai would say, is this old sack here, this poor dear that nobody has any use for any more. Stroking the sagging brown shape with affection she would drag it closer, to sit at her feet like ...Memory, Ji Bai would say, is this old sack here, this poor dear that nobody has any use for any more.
As the novel begins, Salim Juma, in exile from Tanzania, opens up a gunny sack bequeathed to him by a beloved great-aunt. Inside it he discovers the
... - #5
Save:The Mountains Sing is a multigenerational saga set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, following the Tran family through harrowing experiences of loss, resilience, and survival. The story alternates between past and present, narrated by grandmother Tran Dieu Lan and granddaughter H Noi, providing a poignant account of the impact of war on ordinary Vietnamese families. The book delves into the struggles faced by the characters during turbulent periods like the Land Reform, Japanese invasion, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War, highlighting themes of family bonds, sacrifice, and endurance.
My grandmother used to tell me that when our ancestors die, they don’t just disappear, they continue to watch over us. And now, I feel her watching me as I light a match, setting fire to three sticks ... - #6
Save:Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang is a multi-generational memoir that follows the lives of three Chinese women across different periods of China's tumultuous history. The book provides a sweeping narrative of the challenges faced under Communist leadership, the horrors of the Cultural Revolution, and the personal struggles and triumphs of a family living through decades of upheaval. Through the lens of one family, the author paints a vivid picture of China's transformation from a feudal kingdom to a modern state, capturing the hopes, struggles, and resilience of generations of Chinese women.
At the age of fifteen my grandmother became the concubine of a warlord general, the police chief of a tenuous national government of China. The year was 1924 and China was in chaos. Much of it, includ... - #7
Save:"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction novel based on the real-life story of sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke, who were abolitionists and feminists in the 1800s. The book follows the parallel lives of Sarah, a daughter of a slave-owning family in Charleston, and Handful, a slave given to Sarah as a gift on her eleventh birthday. Through alternating perspectives, the author delves into the complexities of life in the antebellum South, shedding light on the struggles of both the free and enslaved individuals during that time period.
The narrative of "The Invention of Wings" is praised for its attention to detail, intense research, and the powerful portrayal of characters like Handful. The book explores themes of slavery, feminism, abolitionism, and the societal constraints faced by individuals like Sarah Grimke, who challenged the norms of her time. Readers are captivated by the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the story, which offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the lives of those involved in the abolitionist movement.
The day life turned into nothing this world could fix, I was in the work yard boiling slave bedding, stoking fire under the wash pot, my eyes burning from specks of lye soap catching on the wind. The ... - #8
Save:Almanac of the Dead by Leslie Marmon Silko is an epic tale that delves into the lives of characters from Hispanic and Native American communities, spiraling back into their historical contexts. The narrative follows different strands of these communities, showcasing mystical elements and a foundation of social justice, set in Tucson. The book paints a bleak yet evocative picture, with characters driven by overwhelming motivations and a spiritually hollow existence, all while highlighting the disconnection or connection with the land.
As long as she is able three or four times a year to dream about him and to awaken feeling as if she has actually been with him, holding him close, she thinks the memories are holding. She had been af... - #9
Save:Salt Houses is a multigenerational novel that follows the journey of a Palestinian family from the 1950s to present day, spanning across various countries such as Nablus, Kuwait, Jordan, Paris, and beyond. The story delves into themes of displacement, war, family bonds, and cultural identity. Through vivid descriptions and multiple perspectives, readers are taken on a journey through the Yacoub family's experiences of leaving their home, navigating different cultures, and trying to maintain a sense of belonging amidst constant upheavals.
The narrative of Salt Houses is crafted through well-developed characters and a seamless blend of different generations and cultures. The book explores the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of war on individuals, and the struggle to find a sense of home in a world marked by constant change. With lyrical prose and poignant storytelling, Hala Alyan presents a compelling tale that offers insights into the Palestinian diaspora and the challenges faced by those forced to uproot their lives multiple times due to conflict and displacement.
When Salma peers into her daughter’s coffee cup, she knows instantly she must lie. Alia has left a smudge of coral lipstick on the rim. The cup is ivory, intricate spirals and whorls painted on the ex... - #10
Save:Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...
