1000 YEARS OF JOYS AND SORROWS – AI WEIWEI

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