Four Treasures of the Sky

A Novel

By: Jenny Tinghui Zhang

Narrated by: Jenny Tinghui Zhang, Katharine Chin

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)

spell binding, heart-rending, amazing!

this book about a journey of a young girl being kidnapped in China and they trauma she endures in America, can break your heart. but her strength and resilience and growth throughout the novel leads you to the heart-wrenching end.p

Difficult but Important Message

Riveting story of a shameful chapter in American history and a reminder of how little has changed.

I loved this piece of historic fiction!

This story was well written and timely. It shows the history of Chinese Americans and explains certain attitudes we still see today.

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 soulful voice.

A hauntingly beautiful epic tale masterfully narrated that drifts into your heart. Not be be missed.

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.

Strife and violence in graphic wording

The violence against Chinese immigrants cannot be forgotten. However, writing a historical fiction novel that includes graphic sexual assault scenes and morbid torture while the author’s note indicates that was her own creation is not the way to to make a cultural event remembered. The book was 90% strife with no positive response by anyone who was not Chinese when there surely were Caucasian citizens who were against this event. It feels like revisionist history. (Yes I listened to the entire book.)

4 Treasures is 5 Stars 🌟

Loved it! Listened during my commute and it really captured my attention. Wished it didn't have to end the way it did. The author's book discussion was eye-opening. You won't regret listening to this story.

Be sure to listen to the author's note at the end.

This was a beautiful book of historical fiction made more beautiful by hearing what inspired its creation in the author's note at the end. And I thought the narrator was so good that it made the story even better. Very moving and eye-opening. Very much looking forward to reading this first-time author's future novels.