Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China

Rating:
Summary: Ick.
Review: I understand why people like this book; there are some good anecdotes, and the history is fairly interesting. All in all, though, it's boring, whiny, and solipsistic. Mediocre history.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: Because it was closed to the West for so long, China is viewed with apprehension by Westerners. This book will give you a new understanding of China. It encompasses China's 20th century history as in a school text book but reads like a novel. I've read about 20 books this summer, and "Wild Swans" was by far the best.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: Chinese history is just fascinating, but to have lived it

Rating:
Summary: ^_^
Review: This is simply an excellent book. It starts out slowly, but before you know it you're thrown into the amazing and often terrifying world of the author. This book was required reading for me at school, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Every woman who has had a trial of her strength, every student who has read the textbook version of Chinese history, and every person who is looking for an absorbing and compelling book should read this. Five stars all the way!!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: I couldn't put it down. It's compelling not only because of the personal drama involved, but because of its decription of the changing political climate in China this century, and the real impact it had on millions of lives. Yet, despite the tragedies, it remains full of hope... and a warning: at times of moral anarchy, people can be seen for what they are, and only a few are truly humane.

Rating:
Summary: This is one of the best books I have read in my life
Review: July, 1999. This is a very important book to understand, the life in China, in the last hundred years. I am Doctor and think that the Chinese Culture, has many things to offer us, and we must learn all the days. Congratulations for Jung Chang, Wild Swans, is so so beatifull. I have recomended this book to my family.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most amazing books I have ever read.
Review: "Wild swans" is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. The author follows the life of three generations of Chinese women. The story rings true because it is the story of the writer's family. In most readable style, the reader absorbs the history of China. Not only did I get a history lesson, I loved every minute of the education this book provided. I was fascinated by it. After, I sought out other books that spoke to the plight of Chinese women through history. It led me to Pearl Buck, more Amy Tan, whom I love, "The White Haired Girl", "Red Azela" and others written by writers I'd never have found had "Wild Swans" not peaked my interest. I often send it to friends whom I know will enjoy it and would probably never discover it otherwise. A must read for those who choose to stretch well beyond the bestseller list!

Rating:
Summary: Good non-fiction account of Cultural Revolution
Review: This is the best non-fiction account of the Cultural Revolution I have read to date, written from the perspective of a member of the Chinese Communist Party elite. I recently read another excellent book of fiction stories set during the Cultural Revolution, "White Snake and Other Stories" by Geling Yan and saw the movie based on that work, "Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl," directed by Joan Chen. Jung Chang's book was useful in order to get more background on what was happening during the Cultural Revolution in order better to appreciate Geling Yan's short stories and Joan Chen's film.

Rating:
Summary: As close to real as anyone could write.
Review: Having both read and taught about China for years, and having been to China in 1981, I was impressed with the clarity and accuracy of Jung Chang's book. I read it after my second trip to China this past June. I only wish she had continued to write more about her own life. Maybe she will in another book. The map and timelines were very much appreciated.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most moving and heart wrenching books I had.
Review: I couldn't putting down this book until I finished it, and my eyes were misted all the time. I was so moved with Jung Chang's story and finally had a grasp of the terror of the Cultural Revolution. As a Chinese born in Taiwan, Chang's book opened my eyes to the lives of the past 100 years in Mainland. Jung, thank you.