Do Not Say We Have Nothing

by Madeleine Thien

Was there anyone in this world who could taste something delicious—economic freedom and political reform—a taste that was salty and fattening and sweet and promising, and only be satisfied with one mouthful? Who could wait patiently for nearly a billion other people to also have a taste? No, anyone would try to get a second mouthful, a third, a whole bowl for themselves.