Rating: 
Summary: An enthralling read
Review: I am not a good reader by any stretch of the imagination, and I usually grow tired of a book half way through. Wild Swans is different altogether though - I haven't finished it yet but every time I pick it up it is very difficult to put down. Jung Chang's approach to the book has made it so easy to picture what is happening, her descriptions are vivid, and the characters are very well portrayed. The life stories of herself, her mother and her grandmother intertwined with accounts of China's past makes this a must read to get any kind of insight to all the political goings on, not least of the Cult of Mao. The whole development of China through the 1900s is traced to the present day, making for a really great book. I only hope it will encouage me to read more!
Rating:
Summary: A thank you
Review: Although i am only fourteen, this book is the most incredible. I have never read a book with such writing. I want to thank the author for opening my heart. I struggled to hide my tears and anger (the anger was towards the communists), and i still do today. I am interested inthe histoy of China. In my geography class i was learning about Asia, and i learned more from Wild Swans than i did from my school book. I wish that there were more people with such wonderful writing styles.
Rating:
Summary: A Hard Read, But Excellent
Review: This was recommended to my book group, and not everyone could finish it, it was SUCH a hard read. But it was an extraordinary story, a great education, and if you stick with it to the end, it will thrill you.
Rating:
Summary: better than a trip to China
Review: I learned more about Chinese history and culture from reading this book than I did from an 8-day trip to Beijing.
Rating:
Summary: sorry
Review: I am only 3/4 of the way though Wild Swans. What has shocked me the most so far is the scale of destruction of peoples lives and minds that Jung Chang describes. The level of repression and suffering that seemed to happed behind doors that were closed to the rest of the world. I think the book is succesful mainly because of detail. Humanity in the face of brutal inhumanity. She represents characters as 'neighbours,' and family friends and relatives. Characters that are not remote heroes but ordinary people surrounded by incomprehensible situations. Like most westerners, I had not paid much thought to China or Communism in China before reading this book. I feel already that I have enriched my understanding of World history in doing so. It is also a lesson in human courage and compassion. I'm just sorry it all happened to them.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Moving, Thought Provoking
Review: An eye-opening, true story of the plight of 3 generations of Chinese women. The map pages help the reader track their journeys as they simply try to survive and raise a family in a country where unimaginable starvation, brutality, and war, not to mention the low status of women in general, were a part of everyday life. The pictures put faces on the characters and make the story that much more meaningful.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Historical Context
Review: Jung Chang vividly describes the atmosphere in a communist China. It is not only a story about three women pioneers, but it is also a story about the political struggle of a nation. Although the book moves slow at times, the reader does not lose interest because of the desire to learn more about the lives of these heroic women. If anyone has any doubts about the harsh lifestyle of the citizens of China during this century, read this book and you can actually feel the political tension of that period. A wonderful book, not only educational, but thought provoking as well.
Rating:
Summary: A touching story
Review: This book is excellent. I just couldn't help crying as I read this book. Being born and educated in HK, I do not know much about Chinese history before. This book gives me a brief overview of what's happening from 1900 to 1976. As I read the book, I understand my fellow Chinese more. The way they are today is somehow influenced by what they have gone through in the past.I hope this book will give us all a better and fair understanding of China. Thanks to the author, Jung.
Rating: 
Summary: VERY UNEXICITING
Review: If any of you want someone similiar to Memoirs of a Geisha such as I did and got this book as a recommendation..do not buy nor read. This novel must be a historian haven because it only deals with historical facts and lacking the exicitement, thrill, FEELINGS in a book. I found it quite boring and was trying to keep myself awake from reading this. If you're a history buff..buy it, but if you're not and want something touching and warming...do not buy it.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book!
Review: Of all the biographies and stories that have come out of China in the last few years, 'Wild Swans' is by far my favorite. I can't think of another book that captures the tumultuous changes that China has gone through in the last century with as much feeling and sensitivity. From the end of the Ching dynasty to the Sun Yat Sen years, through the revolution, the great leap forward and the cultural revolution- Jung Chang paints a picture of three generation of Chinese women dealing with a country in constant flux. You don't have to be particularly interested in China or Chinese history to enjoy 'Wild Swans'. It's a fascinating, down to earth and well-written story that would appeal to just about anyone. I highly recommend it.
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