Madeleine Thien
Madeleine Thien is a Canadian author known for her novels and short stories. Her works often explore themes of memory, history, and the complexities of human relationships. She gained international recognition with her novel 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing,' which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Book Of Records
Lina and her father arrive at The Sea, a liminal enclave between migrations, where time and eras seem to meet. There she befriends neighbors from different periods—a Jewish scholar in 17th‑century Amsterdam, a philosopher fleeing 1930s Germany, and a Tang dynasty poet—whose conversations and teachings help Lina face revelations about her family’s past. The novel moves across centuries to explore migration, memory, guilt, responsibility, and the search for home.
The 9042nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Certainty
Set against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of several characters across different continents and generations. At its heart is the story of a Canadian radio producer who delves into her father's mysterious past, uncovering a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring impact of historical events. Through a tapestry of memories and narratives, the book explores themes of identity, memory, and the quest for understanding in a world marked by uncertainty.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Do Not Say We Have Nothing
Set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history from the Cultural Revolution to the Tiananmen Square protests, this poignant narrative weaves together the lives of three generations of musicians and their families. Through the lens of a young girl in Vancouver uncovering her family's past, the story delves into themes of art, memory, and political upheaval. As the characters navigate personal and societal challenges, the novel explores the enduring power of music and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and loss.
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4. Não Digam Que Não Temos Nada
Set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history from the Cultural Revolution to the Tiananmen Square protests, this poignant narrative weaves together the lives of two families bound by music, love, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Through the eyes of a young girl in Canada, the story unfolds as she uncovers the intertwined fates of her father and his enigmatic friend, both musicians whose lives were irrevocably altered by political upheaval. As the past and present converge, the novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the enduring power of art to transcend the confines of time and place.