Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien intertwines Chinese history with personal narratives, earning praise for its rich storytelling and complex characters. Critics commend Thien's lyrical prose and intricate plot; however, some find the novel's pacing slow and its historical context challenging to grasp fully. Overall, a moving, albeit demanding, read.

A reader who enjoys Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien likely appreciates multi-generational family sagas set against historical backdrops. Similar readers might also enjoy The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini or Wild Swans by Jung Chang for their rich narratives and deep cultural insights.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien spans generations, beginning with Big Mother Knife and her sister Swirl struggling to survive during the early years of China's Communist Revolution. Big Mother Knife's son Sparrow and Swirl's daughter Zhuli find solace in music amid the turmoil. As political tensions rise, Zhuli dies by suicide, while Sparrow's life is impacted by further events leading to his eventual death, pushing his daughter Ai-Ming into exile. Ai-Ming finds refuge with Marie, the daughter of a former friend of Sparrow, and relocates to America. The novel explores enduring themes of family, music, and resistance amid oppressive regimes. It includes traumatic events like political persecution, suicide, and the Tiananmen Square protests.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Mysterious / Nostalgic

- Madeleine Thien's novel Do Not Say We Have Nothing won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2016, one of Canada's most prestigious literary awards. 
- The book was also shortlisted for the 2016 Man Booker Prize, marking Thien as an internationally acclaimed author.

**Jiang Kai**  
A kind but melancholic father with an impressive memory and talent, whose life is deeply intertwined with music and political movements.

**Marie Jiang / Jiang Li-Ling**  
A high-achieving and endlessly curious narrator seeking to understand her family's complex history and her father's decisions.

**Ma**  
Marie’s strong and pragmatic mother, noted for her loyalty and laughter, grappling with expressing her emotions.

**Ai-Ming**  
An intelligent, rebellious young woman from China, whose experiences lead her to flee to Canada.

**Big Mother Knife**  
A strong-willed matriarch known for her storytelling, resilience, and unwavering support for her family.

**Sparrow**  
A talented composer, highly dedicated to music, who often feels overshadowed by others despite his own achievements.

**Ba Lute**  
Big Mother Knife’s husband, heavily focused on political ambitions, whose life changes drastically when he falls out of favor.

**Swirl**  
The beautiful sister of Big Mother Knife, caught up in the political turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, with a deep connection to Wen the Dreamer.

**Wen the Dreamer**  
A delicate poet who faces political persecution but remains resilient, living as a fugitive after escaping a re-education camp.

**Zhuli**  
The musically gifted daughter of Swirl and Wen, struggling to cope with her role within the tumult of the Cultural Revolution.

**Ling**  
A philosophy student whose elegance and inner goodness shine through, despite being separated from her family by political circumstances.

**Yiwen**  
A passionate and strikingly beautiful neighbor who influences Ai-Ming's political decisions and actions.

Madeleine Thien

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Novel

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Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Do Not Say We Have Nothing and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Part 1, Chapters 5-6

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 1, Chapters 5-6

Part 1, Chapters 7-8

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 1, Chapters 7-8

Part 0, Chapters 7-6

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 0, Chapters 7-6

Part 0, Chapters 5-4

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 0, Chapters 5-4

Part 0, Chapters 3-Coda

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Part 0, Chapters 3-Coda

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Character Analysis

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Character Analysis

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Themes

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Do Not Say We Have Nothing Essay Topics

Do Not Say We Have Nothing

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Do Not Say We Have Nothing?

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