Bury What We Cannot Take: A novel

Written by Kirstin Chen

Narrated by Emily Woo Zeller

“Complex and rich, Chen’s story serves as a fascinating window into a unique period of history and the plight of one displaced family.” —Harper’s Bazaar

The day nine-year-old San San and her twelve-year-old brother, Ah Liam, discover their grandmother taking a hammer to a framed portrait of Chairman Mao is the day that forever changes their lives. To prove his loyalty to the Party, Ah Liam reports his grandmother to the authorities. But his belief in doing the right thing sets in motion a terrible chain of events.

Now they must flee their home on Drum Wave Islet, which sits just a few hundred meters across the channel from mainland China. But when their mother goes to procure visas for safe passage to Hong Kong, the government will only issue them on the condition that she leave behind one of her children as proof of the family’s intention to return.

Against the backdrop of early Maoist China, this captivating and emotional tale follows a brother, a sister, a father, and a mother as they grapple with their agonizing decision, its far-reaching consequences, and their hope for redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Mar 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543636727

Kirstin Chen

Kirstin Chen is the New York Times bestselling author of Counterfeit, Soy Sauce for Beginners and Bury What We Cannot Take. Born and raised in Singapore, she currently lives in New York City. 

Reviews for Bury What We Cannot Take

[Jas Badyal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Chen's writing is great. The first 80% is amazing, engaging, can't put down navigation of the early cultural revolution in China. But the wrap up was not good, the ending was hard to believe.

The audiobook was narrated by Emily Woo Zeller who is as always exceptional. One of my favourite narrators. She really makes the story come to life.

[LynneGauthier · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very well written, but dark. Too many feels. Worth a read, but make sure you’re in the right mental state first.

[Jen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pretty smooth transitions within the story. Narrator was easy to listen to

[d-fbuser-27840196 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliantly written. Thought provoking. Masterful interweaving of perspectives, including the readers', as the author takes us on a heart wrenching journey, focusing firmly on the question of what it is to be a family.