NPR's Book of the Day Madeleine Thien's new novel 'The Book of Records' is a story that traverses centuries
Jun 9, 2025
Author Madeleine Thien discusses her nearly decade-long journey crafting her new novel, which centers on a father and daughter's refuge in a timeless place. The story interweaves the lives of historical thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Du Fu, highlighting themes of resilience and love in the face of adversity. Thien reflects on how philosophy and literature have influenced her perceptions of morality and freedom, especially in today's challenging socio-political landscape. This exploration reveals the enduring power of storytelling across centuries.
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Books Shaping a Refugee Journey
- Madeline Thien's novel features Lina and her father carrying three meaningful books during their urgent journey to a transitory place called the Sea.
- These books are by historical thinkers Hannah Arendt, Baruch Spinoza, and the Chinese poet Du Fu, whom Thien personally lived with and learned from.
Love as Resistance to Authoritarianism
- The historical figures represented faced authoritarianism, betrayal, and societal collapse but still clung to love for the world.
- Holding love for the world is essential as it is our only true home and deepest belonging despite its hardships.
Thinking Cultivates Love for World
- Embracing love for the world is necessary, not natural, and the works of thinkers helped Thien cultivate this perception.
- Her decade-long engagement with their philosophies transformed how she perceives the world and love through complexities.
