1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows cover art

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

The story of two lives, one nation, and a century of art under tyranny

 Preview
This Season's Biggest Deal

£0.99/mo for 3 months + £10 Audible bonus

Auto-renews at £5.99/month after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 28 December, 2026.
More purchase options

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

By: Ai Weiwei
Narrated by: David Shih
Get this deal

Auto-renews at £5.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel monthly. Offer ends 28 December, 2026.

Buy Now for £11.20

Buy Now for £11.20

This Season's Biggest Deal | £0.99/mo for 3 months + £10 Audible bonus

£5.99/mo after 3 months - terms apply. Cancel monthly
Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

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.

©2021 Ai Weiwei (P)2021 Penguin Audio 20th Century Art & Literature Artists, Architects & Photographers Asia China Modern
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

Critic reviews

"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)
All stars
Most relevant
A book that is necessary to read if we are to understand the true China.

Outstanding memoir

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
How lucky we are that Ai Weiwei wanted to let his son be able to know the life story of his father and grandfather. By reading this book we are all in the know of the hardships (to say the least) a country can impose on its people and how they may survive, be it by leaving their country.

Thank you Ai Weiwei, for this necessary story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In this book I learned about AI Weiwei, his struggles, his obstinacy and his eternal optimism. I learned a lot about China, Mao Zedong's communism and the bizarre nature of control and punishment. A lot of the book is dedicated to Aei Weiwei's memories of his father, who was also an artist and highly regarded poet who broke bread with the likes of Pablo Neruda. History repeats itself as Aei Weiwei struggles for his voice to be heard. I loved this insightful book.
Great narration by David Shih.

Fascinating account of family, artists and China

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
An important education. This book is everything I hoped it would be and more. Highly recommended.

Emotional, Insightful and Excellent.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great story, pity that Chinese names and words are mispronounced. Otherwise very compelling. Interesting to hear the backstory of famous art works

Inspiring

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews