In 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing', Madeleine Thien crafts a layered narrative that traces the reverberations of China's Cultural Revolution and the Tiananmen Square protests across generations. Through the eyes of Marie, a young woman in present-day Vancouver, and Ai-Ming, a student protestor from China, the novel delves into the complex weave of family histories, uncovering the intimate stories of musicians and artists whose lives are transformed by the tumultuous events of China's recent past. As Marie seeks to understand her father's legacy, the entwined fates of composer Sparrow, violin prodigy Zhuli, and pianist Kai come to light, revealing a poignant tapestry of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of music amid political upheaval.