anuwolf's review against another edition
5.0
I think everyone needs to read this book. It's a beautiful inter-generational tale that I can't believe isn't taught in schools. From early 1900s in China to 1989, it's a true story a woman, her mother, and grandmother and them witnessing and experiencing all that has happened to their country. And so much has happened. And there's so much evil, so much love, and it's a story that seems to repeat itself in many places and in various times, but that just makes it so much more beautiful. Regular people living their lives and tormented by the governments and wars that they have to live through. Regular women being strong through adversity, and that's what makes them extraordinary.
rhiannoninc's review
5.0
Amazing read, an absolute eye opener for what is happening beyond ones own world.
pagesonfire's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
viewfromthecyclepath's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
kiramke's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating personal story and great way to access the modern history of China for those of us with no real familiarity with it.
carmelitasita's review against another edition
5.0
China - where idealism, the wish for stability, and megalomania met. The best book I've read on life in China throughout the rise of communism and Mao.
jordantanguay's review against another edition
4.0
Jung Chang’s “Wild Swans” is exactly what it promises to be—a riveting account of 20th century China from the biographies of three generations of women. Condensing so much History into three personal narratives is a an extraordinary feat. That being said, it took me longer than usual to read this personal history. While fascinating, the excerpts read more like telling than showing. With so many individuals weaving in and out of the narrative and complex politics on a map that takes place all across China, it became difficult at times to be carried by the emotional arc. Still, first rate, top notch history, just took me longer to wade through than expected.
heather_yukiko's review against another edition
5.0
This book was beautifully written and very descriptive. Chang's story of three generations during the time of Chairman Mao is incredible. I think she offers an amazing perspective on her life and living conditions through the ups and downs of Communism. I'm sure there are other stories that are far different from others situations but it's a great book and easy to read. Perfect for anyone looking to get a good overview of China during the time of Mao.
iwearglasses's review against another edition
3.0
chang weaves the story of 3 generations of her family very well with the history of china, and i'd recommend the book to anybody who would want to get to know china on a more personal level, instead if solely through news and academic texts. that being said i didn't like chang's tone throughout the book - it was too self-righteous for me