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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
This book is basically the last 100 years of Chinese history through the author, her grandmother, and her mother. I thought it provided a ton of interesting insight into what it was like to live through the rise of the Communist party and especially the excesses of the Cultural Revolution, which the author spent a lot of time on. The book is really detailed (sometimes unnecessarily, but whatevs).
The only problem I had with the book is that the author seems to turn a critical eye on everyone but herself and her family. Her father, her mother, her grandmother, they are all the most noble and self-sacrificing people, the author was in the Red Guard but was not one of the overzealous ones... it seems like no one in her family can do any wrong. Maybe this is the case, but this heroic filter made the book feel a bit off balance.
Other than that though, I did love it for its detailed view of modern Chinese history.
The only problem I had with the book is that the author seems to turn a critical eye on everyone but herself and her family. Her father, her mother, her grandmother, they are all the most noble and self-sacrificing people, the author was in the Red Guard but was not one of the overzealous ones... it seems like no one in her family can do any wrong. Maybe this is the case, but this heroic filter made the book feel a bit off balance.
Other than that though, I did love it for its detailed view of modern Chinese history.
A very important book. I'm glad I didn't pick this up when I was younger, but I'm very glad I've read it now.
This is the hardest book I have ever read, and that is coming from someone who reads avidly. Jung Chang provides a rich history of China through three generations of women. At times this book was very disturbing, but having finished it, the descriptions of torture were necessary to portray the times.
I have read countless reviews on this memoir and tried to write my own review umpteen times but the english language seems to fail when it comes to discussing Wild Swans. And rightfully so. Neither the reviews that are already written or my own jumbled thoughts will do it justice in the end. It's a tome of a family saga but worth every second you spend turning its pages. If you have even an infinitesimal ounce of interest in China's past then please read it. The book spans the time of warlord generals to Mao's Communist Revolution, to the Red Guard's and Kuomintang's civil war, and then finally the famine, that kick started the barbaric Cultural Revolution that caused an immeasureable amount of pain for both country and citizens for a decade. The true amazement which unmitigatedly bewildered me is how the family we follow, from a grandmother, a mother and down to a daughter, (as well many other people) managed to survive with their indestructible humanity intact. I expect there will be few books I own now that will grace my shelves when I'm 60 but Wild Swans just indisputably earned its place. This is a countries humanity at its worst of times through no fault of its own but it is also humanity at the best of times due to sheer perseverance. Jung Chang is a paragon of writing.
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Took me almost two years to finish this mammoth book, but I completely loved it.
Really liked this book as I knew little about China in the 20th century. Although it is very (very) long, it never felt like it dragged. Even though some parts may seem repetitive (Jung's father's steadfast support of the Communist movement, etc.) there is always something else happening to keep it fresh.
Would have been great if I could have kept track of the characters better (the main ones being her parents' tormentors, the government officials - that I could look up from Wikipedia - and her family).
Might be one of the few books I read again.
Really liked this book as I knew little about China in the 20th century. Although it is very (very) long, it never felt like it dragged. Even though some parts may seem repetitive (Jung's father's steadfast support of the Communist movement, etc.) there is always something else happening to keep it fresh.
Would have been great if I could have kept track of the characters better (the main ones being her parents' tormentors, the government officials - that I could look up from Wikipedia - and her family).
Might be one of the few books I read again.
A engrossing page-turner and a must-read if you're looking to understand Mao-era china
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Chang’s memoir provides a detailed account of three generations living in 20th-century China, focusing on Mao’s rule while also exploring earlier periods like the Japanese occupation and the rise of the Communist Party. She uses straightforward language, which makes the text accessible to readers with little to no knowledge of modern Chinese history. Some chapters are dense with detail, which may appeal to those deeply interested in or studying the topic, but can test the patience of casual readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War
Moderate: Suicide, Xenophobia
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. This book is beautifully written, and the subject matter is fascinating, terrifying, and inspiring. I wish I had read this before I went to China.