1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei is an intimate, compelling narrative that intertwines the past and present of China through the profound lens of two remarkable figures: Ai Weiwei himself, one of the world's foremost contemporary artists and activists, and his father, Ai Qing, China's most esteemed poet.

In this epic memoir, Ai Weiwei chronicles a story that spans a century, brimming with moments of both exuberance and sorrow. This is not merely a retelling of personal history, but a sweeping saga of China’s tumultuous transformation from the Cultural Revolution to the contemporary era under the Chinese Communist Party's rule.

Born into a period of political turbulence, Ai Weiwei recounts his early years spent in desolate exile alongside his father, Ai Qing, who was persecuted despite his acclaim as a celebrated poet. These formative years under a totalitarian regime would profoundly shape Ai Weiwei’s creative and activist endeavours.

As a young man, Ai Weiwei journeys to America, where he immerses himself in the world of art and returns to China enriched with new perspectives. His rise from obscurity to become a venerated international artist and a defiant human rights activist is captivating and inspirational.

Interspersed with personal anecdotes and profound reflections, Ai Weiwei offers an extraordinary account of his career, shaped by defiance and resilience in the face of oppression. His art, seen as a weapon against the injustices he witnesses, speaks volumes about the contemporary struggle for freedom and expression in China.

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows is a poignant tale of a father and son, bound by their unwavering principles and exceptional creativity, set against the broader narrative of a nation’s relentless struggle and evolution.

"Engrossing...a remarkable story" – Sunday Times

"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