Today's Read Contributor Madeleine Thien, the acclaimed author of Do Not Say We Have Nothing and Dogs at the Perimeter, has returned with her much-anticipated new novel, The Book of Records, which officially hit shelves on May 20, 2025. This latest work marks another ambitious leap for Thien as she navigates complex themes of fate, memory, and the passage of time within a deeply imaginative setting.
The Book of Records takes readers to an enigmatic place known as “The Sea,” a secluded enclave that is as much a character in the story as the individuals who inhabit it. The novel revolves around Lina, a woman seeking answers to deep personal questions, and her father, whose past holds mysteries that intertwine with Lina’s journey. As they venture through the narrative, the pair encounters a series of figures who appear to be drawn from different historical epochs. Each encounter provides profound insights into the nature of identity and the fluidity of time, weaving together a complex web of memories, lives, and destinies.
One of the standout features of The Book of Records is its exploration of how individuals relate to the past. Thien presents the novel’s characters with historical figures whose stories are not bound by traditional timelines, allowing for a profound meditation on how we perceive and relate to the concept of history. In this world, time does not move in a linear fashion, and the boundaries between the past, present, and future are blurred. Thien invites readers to consider how these encounters influence Lina and her father’s understanding of themselves, as well as the way they view their place in a larger historical context.
Critics have already lauded The Book of Records for its poetic prose, which remains a hallmark of Thien’s writing, and its intricate, layered narrative structure. The novel is being celebrated not only for its storytelling but also for its philosophical depth, which encourages reflection on the role of fate and free will in shaping individual lives. Thien’s ability to merge the personal with the historical creates a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers, making it a timely addition to contemporary literature.
The Book of Records promises to be another defining work in Madeleine Thien’s literary career, further cementing her reputation as one of the most innovative writers of her generation. As readers immerse themselves in the novel’s richly textured world, they will undoubtedly be drawn into the complex questions about memory, history, and the human experience that Thien so masterfully addresses.
