1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows
1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei, published by Penguin Random House on September 15, 2022, is a 352-page exploration of personal and national history. In this work, Ai Weiwei, a prominent artist and activist, intertwines his life story with that of his father, Ai Qing, a celebrated poet in China. The narrative spans a century, reflecting on significant events in China, including the Cultural Revolution and the evolution of the Chinese Communist Party, while also detailing the personal experiences of exile, creativity, and resilience.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the intersection of art and activism, as well as the impact of living under a totalitarian regime. The book delves into themes of individual and collective identity, showcasing the profound relationship between father and son and their shared journey through adversity. Ai Weiwei’s account not only sheds light on his own artistic development but also serves as a lens through which to understand the complexities of contemporary Chinese society. This edition is presented in English, offering insights into both personal memoir and cultural history.
Official synopsis Publisher
A FAMILY STORY AND THE TALE OF A NATION.
Ai Weiwei – one of the world’s most famous artists and activists – weaves a century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own life and that of his father, Ai Qing, the nation’s most celebrated poet.
‘Engrossing…a remarkable story’ Sunday Times
Here, through the sweeping lens of his own and his father’s life, Ai Weiwei tells an epic tale of China over the last 100 years, from the Cultural Revolution to the modern-day Chinese Communist Party.
Here is the story of a childhood spent in desolate exile after his father, Ai Qing, once China’s most celebrated poet, fell foul of the authorities. Here is his move to America as a young man and his return to China, his rise from unknown to art-world superstar and international rights activist. Here is his extraordinary account of how his work has been shaped by living under a totalitarian regime.
It’s the story of a father and a son, of exceptional creativity and passionate belief, and of how two indomitable spirits enabled the world to understand their country.
‘A story of inherited resilience and self-determination’ Observer
‘A majestic and exquisitely serious masterpiece about his China… One of the great voices of our time’ Andrew Solomon
‘Intimate, unflinching…an instant classic’ Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition
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