Four Treasures of the Sky

A Novel

By: Jenny Tinghui Zhang

Narrated by: Jenny Tinghui Zhang, Katharine Chin

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

2022 Library Journal Best Books of the Year, Long-listed

2022 Shelf Awareness Best Books of the Year, Long-listed

2022 New York Times Book Review Notable Books of the Year, Long-listed

“Narrator Katharine Chin’s outstanding performance will have listeners weeping as they hear Zhang’s debut novel, based on actual events.” – Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Reader Katharine Chin has a young, clear voice that captures Daiyu’s determination and spirit. Chinese names and phrases flow easily, and Chin voices the cast of characters with sensitivity. Absolutely first rate." - Booklist (starred review)

This program includes a bonus conversation between the author and editor.

A propulsive and dazzling debut novel set against the backdrop of the Chinese Exclusion Act, about a Chinese girl fighting to claim her place in the 1880s American West

Daiyu never wanted to be like the tragic heroine for whom she was named, revered for her beauty and cursed with heartbreak. But when she is kidnapped and forced across an ocean from China to America, Daiyu must relinquish the home and future she imagined for herself. Over the years that follow, she is forced to keep reinventing herself to survive. From a calligraphy school, to a San Francisco brothel, to a shop tucked into the Idaho mountains, we follow Daiyu on a desperate quest to outrun the tragedy that chases her. As anti-Chinese sentiment sweeps across the country in a wave of unimaginable violence, Daiyu must draw on each of the selves she has been—including the ones she most wants to leave behind—in order to finally claim her own name and story.

At once a literary tour de force and a groundbreaking work of historical fiction, Four Treasures of the Sky announces Jenny Tinghui Zhang as an indelible new voice. Steeped in untold history and Chinese folklore, this novel is a spellbinding feat.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

©2022 Jenny Tinghui Zhang (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Jenny Tinghui Zhang uses her considerable talents to illuminate the shocking injustices the Chinese in this country suffered in the 1800s, and in doing so, makes us stop and consider how much of that cruelty and injustice survive to this day. Four Treasures of the Sky is an engulfing, bighearted, and heartbreaking novel." (Ann Patchett)

“In a sweeping adventure that spans China and the American West, Jenny Tinghui Zhang has crafted a thoughtful story of identity, love, and belonging.” (C Pam Zhang, author of How Much of These Hills Is Gold)

“Brilliant and devastating, Four Treasures of the Sky tells the story of Daiyu, who is brought to America against her will and forced to hide who she is even as she grows into her true self. Weaving together myth and history, Zhang’s work is both timeless and utterly necessary right now.” (Anna North, New York Times best-selling author of Outlawed)

Heartbreaking and Beautiful

Wow. This book is beautifully written and so heartbreaking at the same time. I cried and found myself holding my breath as I listened. I tried to think ahead about what I thought was going to happen. I was wrong and surprised at every turn. Incredibly important story about true events of Chinese immigrants in America during the 1880s. Highly recommend!! Eye opening and poignant.

The Parts That Were Good Were Very Good

But there weren't enough good parts to make the rest of the book worth it. The author used some very clever techniques which I enjoyed immensely but I never quite "lost" myself in the book which I usually do. The narrator was not my favorite either. The subject matter is definitely a topic we all need to be more aware of but I can't say this is the book to do it.

Brutally sad story

An unflinching look at a particularly brutal (and often overlooked) time in American history. Often hard to listen to but beautifully written.

A small, yet powerful point in t

A small, yet powerful point in the vast American historical story brought into bright awareness through the life of a young woman.
I didn’t want it to end but knew that it must.

First rate authentic story

Looking for a story that is not your typical American history story? And told by someone who can give the characters, authentic voice and agency? This is one such and a very enjoyable book to read. I did not know exactly where it was going and feel it was well worth my time. The author took me to a place I’ve never been before and they come back changed. Highly recommend.

Loved it

I cried and was enrapt in this story. I recommend it. Well told and nicely narrated.

This Book really held my interest

I loved the story and the characters. it was easy to follow and hard to put down. Sad it was true.

Spellbinding voice, Rich story

Captivating & sad, hoped the end was different but understanding why it had to be the way it was. History repeating itself

Lovely story with relevant social messaging

Loved the tragic tale but also really grateful for the writers
comments at the end of the book!!

Incredible

What a book! The reader was superb. The journey was well written. I could picture it all.