Questions About Do Not Say We Have Nothing

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Answered Questions (18)

Why do the chapter and section numbers keep jumping around in the book? Is this something to do with music, maths or some type of code that I will understand when I am more than 100 pages in?

Sofia @Molly
Here's one:

Do Not Say We Have Nothing - Wikipedia

…more@Molly
Here's one:

Do Not Say We Have Nothing - Wikipedia

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On a scale of 1 to 10, How good is this book? Please reply

Gina This fabulous book creates its own scale. 0-10-0
…moreThis fabulous book creates its own scale. 0-10-0
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I've downloaded an ebook sample, and the Chinese characters and music are borderline legible. Will I lose much in meaning if I can't see these things clearly? Better to read a hardcopy instead?

Elly Robinson I can't rmember a time where it's critical to the book, more contextual/illustrative. …moreI can't rmember a time where it's critical to the book, more contextual/illustrative. (less)

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book club discussion questions for Do Not Say We Have Nothing?

Thea I led discussions for a couple of book clubs this past year for Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I found NOTHING in terms of available questions online. He…moreI led discussions for a couple of book clubs this past year for Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I found NOTHING in terms of available questions online. Here are the ones I ended up formulating:

1. Music was such an important vehicle for telling this story and, in many ways, can be regarded as one of the main characters of the novel. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, aside from a handful of government approved pieces, most music is banned. Why is music seen as such a threat? What are some other examples of restrictions of artistic expression seen throughout history?

2. This book is a symphony- Thien even concludes with a coda: a term used in music primarily to designate a passage that brings a piece (or a movement) to an end. It isn’t a linear story and, like a symphony, there are many voices. At times they are all speaking at once and, at other times, they are silent. The music in the novel becomes rebellious. What other historical or contemporary examples of rebellious music are associated with cultural or societal movements/protests?

3. Marie is the keeper of the story. How effective is Thien in having Marie be the one to tell the story – not her father’s story but the story of those he loved? What parallels are there between the story she tells and those in The Book of Records? What is the purpose of the Book of Records?

4. Sparrow is a gifted composer but can only find peace in silence. Why does he opt to not compose for the revolution? What events transpire to enable him to once again start composing? What else does Thien have to say about silence? How is silence used?

5. Which characters were most central to the story? Were all the characters dynamic? Were you surprised by any of the characters or any of their actions?

6. Discuss the triangle of Sparrow, Zhuli, and Kai. What are their reactions to the Cultural Revolution? What does each character sacrifice? Were their actions justified?

7. Was the structure of the book difficult to follow?

8. What do you think happened to Kai? To Ai-Ming? Do you think Marie will eventually meet up with her? Is the ending satisfying even if we are still left with unanswered questions?

9. Talk about the bond of Ai-Ming and Marie. Why is Marie so bound to Ai-Ming even after she realizes that Ai0-Ming is Sparrow’s daughter?

10. Is Marie’s Mother a strong character? Why does she agree to accept Ai-Ming into her home? What is her motivation? Why is she not named in the novel?

11. Reference page 303: Does it alter us more to be heard or to hear? Is it better to have been loved, or to love?

12. Comment on this quote from p 360: "And yet throughout the world, past and present, for thousands of years, those whom we call good men, righteous men, have been accustomed to the sight of such things, have sat and considered them to be matters of course, have not demanded justice for the victims or offered to help them. This is the most appalling, unjust, and unequal thing, the most inexplicable theory under heaven."

13. Comment on forgiveness in this novel- specifically in relation to Kai: Sparrow, Zhuli, Marie, Marie’s mother.(less)

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Is it OK to read this book when you know next to nothing about China's history or should I do my homework first?

Ameya Joshi I would suggest you start reading and keep referring to Wikipedia liberally whenever you encounter something there. While there is a lot of complex, t…moreI would suggest you start reading and keep referring to Wikipedia liberally whenever you encounter something there. While there is a lot of complex, the author has not spoon-fed the background anywhere so you have to do some of your own homework. It's not necessary to do this to enjoy the book, but it will be wonderfully more rewarding if you're unfamilar with this area.(less)

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