Do Not Say We Have Nothing

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Marie, a young woman in Vancouver, and Ai-Ming, a Chinese émigré, as they delve into the lives of their families and the profound impact of China's tumultuous 20th-century history on their identities and destinies.

Marie’s father, Kai, a talented pianist, and Ai-Ming’s father, Sparrow, a brilliant composer, along with Zhuli, a violin prodigy, navigate the oppressive cultural and political landscapes of Mao's China. Their artistic expressions become acts of defiance as they grapple with the Cultural Revolution's impact on their lives and work.

Thien's narrative is a poignant exploration of the intersections between personal aspirations and the broader societal forces that shape them. The novel examines themes of memory, identity, and the enduring effects of political upheaval, offering a profound commentary on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Finalist for the Booker Prize and the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.