Madeleine Thien is a novelist and short story writer whose work has been translated into 23 languages.

Born in Vancouver, her parents both Malaysian-Chinese immigrants, her writing is heavily influenced by her family history and her experiences as a child.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing is testament to that, detailing the story of 10-year-old Marie and her mother. In Canada in 1991 they invite a guest into their home, a young woman called Ai-Ming, who has fled China in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests. Forced to re-imagine their artistic and private selves, their fates reverberate through the years, with deep and lasting consequences for Ai-Ming – and for Marie.

Chairing the event is Sam Baker. Formerly the Editor in Chief of Red magazine, in 2015 she co-founded and launched The Pool, an online platform making interesting, inspiring and original content for busy women. Her latest novel, The Woman Who Ran, was published last year.

Madeleine Thien will be discussing her work, her influences and her journey from a relatively unknown author in the UK to being shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2016.

Tickets: £8 per ticket or £5 for Foyalty members.

Venue: The Auditorium at Foyles, Level 6, 107 Charing Cross Road

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