Do Not Say We Have Nothing
Registered by CynthiaA of Brantford, Ontario Canada on 9/15/2018
This book is in a Controlled Release!
This book is in a Controlled Release!
1 journaler for this copy...
This book was a Christmas gift from a Goodreads Holiday book exchange.
I am Blown. Away.
Deserving of every accolade she has received, Madeliene Thien has created a true masterpiece. This book is elegant and profound, devastating and hopeful, beautiful and yet repelling.
Set in China, a land of fascinating cultural diversity, an incredible earth-shaping history. My son was just there for almost a year. One of my best friends was born there. How easy it is for those of us in the "west" to see headlines one day and forget about the people affected the next.
Told through the eyes of two families, and several generations, this book is not just about the history of China over the past half-century or more. It is about how that history is viewed by people who lived it, how some people become accustomed to their circumstances and others resist expectations. It considers the question of loyalty and where loyalties lie, and why. It testifies to the resilience of those loves that can withstand even the darkest times. It questions how, frequently, we can forgive everyone but ourselves. It demonstrates that there is a common language in artistic expression, in stories, music, poetry, etc. and that the arts create bonds, unions that will survive and flourish, even -- perhaps especially -- when they are forbidden and criminalized. There are stories within this story, and there is a book within this book, and sometimes the reader has to be mindful of which story they are in. And like the stories of all of our lives, this story doesn't end, even though Thien stops telling it.
I am Blown. Away.
Deserving of every accolade she has received, Madeliene Thien has created a true masterpiece. This book is elegant and profound, devastating and hopeful, beautiful and yet repelling.
Set in China, a land of fascinating cultural diversity, an incredible earth-shaping history. My son was just there for almost a year. One of my best friends was born there. How easy it is for those of us in the "west" to see headlines one day and forget about the people affected the next.
Told through the eyes of two families, and several generations, this book is not just about the history of China over the past half-century or more. It is about how that history is viewed by people who lived it, how some people become accustomed to their circumstances and others resist expectations. It considers the question of loyalty and where loyalties lie, and why. It testifies to the resilience of those loves that can withstand even the darkest times. It questions how, frequently, we can forgive everyone but ourselves. It demonstrates that there is a common language in artistic expression, in stories, music, poetry, etc. and that the arts create bonds, unions that will survive and flourish, even -- perhaps especially -- when they are forbidden and criminalized. There are stories within this story, and there is a book within this book, and sometimes the reader has to be mindful of which story they are in. And like the stories of all of our lives, this story doesn't end, even though Thien stops telling it.
Gave this to my son to read. I may or may not get it back. :o)
Given to Leslie
Welcome to Bookcrossing. Thank you for catching this book! I hope you enjoy it and will consider exploring this site and possibly joining. It's free and loads of fun, as you can track your released books in their travels, possibly all over the world! Please let us know that you've found the book, what you thought of it and if possible, where you might re-release it when you're done so it can continue its journey. Reading it is not required, though is encouraged. You may remain anonymous, but if you choose to join up I hope you will consider using me, CynthiaA, as the one who referred you.
Welcome to Bookcrossing. Thank you for catching this book! I hope you enjoy it and will consider exploring this site and possibly joining. It's free and loads of fun, as you can track your released books in their travels, possibly all over the world! Please let us know that you've found the book, what you thought of it and if possible, where you might re-release it when you're done so it can continue its journey. Reading it is not required, though is encouraged. You may remain anonymous, but if you choose to join up I hope you will consider using me, CynthiaA, as the one who referred you.
