A review by ra22ouille
Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Profound and lasting. I havent been able to stop thinking about it. The book began with one woman's devastation stemming from family tragedy. From this the book circles outward into a web of people whose lives weave through the woman's narrative both during and outside of her time. 

I knew what the destination was for some of our characters very early on, and it was devastating to know it, and painful to read on at times knowing where it would lead. The way the book weaved in and out of that understanding and made me both long for the completion and fear the story running out—it was incredible.

The structure extended themes of cyclical histories, art as atemporal connection, and separation (of people from each other, from themselves, emotionally, physically, through death. Specifically through and beyond the cultural revolution). It was masterfully constructed.

So much respect for this book and author. Highly recommend!!!
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