Wild Swans

Three Daughters of China

By: Jung Chang

Narrated by: Joy Osmanski

Length: 22 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Few books have had such an impact as Wild Swans: a popular best seller that has sold more than 13 million copies, a critically acclaimed history of China, a tragic tale of nightmarish cruelty, and an uplifting story of bravery and survival. Through the story of three generations of women in her own family - the grandmother given to the warlord as a concubine, the Communist mother, and the daughter herself - Jung Chang reveals the epic history of China's 20th century. Breathtaking in its scope, unforgettable in its descriptions, this masterpiece is extraordinary in every way.

©2011 Jung Chang (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"An inspiring tale of women who survived every kind of hardship, deprivation and political upheaval with their humanity intact." (Hillary Clinton, in O, The Oprah Magazine)

" Wild Swans is riveting. It's blindingly good: a mad adventure story, a fairy tale of courage, and a tale of atrocities. You can't, as they say, put it down. ( The New Yorker)

Story of modern China

Every High school student should read this about the horrors of life in Communist China under Mao! I had a peripheral knowledge of the Great Lead Forward and the Cultural Revolution but never in my wildest thoughts did I know how awful it was for the Chinese. The author, her mother and grandmother’s lives are the perfect subjects to shown the transformative world they lived in with all the jarring ups and downs China experienced in the 20th century.

Moving and memorable story.

So good. We have to know the past to understand our future. I am thankful the author put this history down in words.

Excellent historical biography.

Well told, fascinating story of three generations of women in China - grandmother, mother and daughter. Excellent writing and storytelling. Thank you!!

Now we know why

This true story about 3 generations of women living through 20th century China is ABSOLUTELY EYE OPENING.

An odd piece of writing

What made the experience of listening to Wild Swans the most enjoyable?

The reader.

What about Joy Osmanski’s performance did you like?

A terrific reading voice, she was able to keep up interest even though there was little dialog.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A Chinese women's odyssey - from bound feet through communism to the present.

Any additional comments?

Information filled, and epic, I consider this tome an important contribution to history. Literature? Maybe not. This book has very little dialog. It is a long journey, most of it "told"; very little "shown".

What I Never Knew

wow! what a historical and personal blend of 3 women's lives through the horrible reign of leaders in China, esp Mao. it made me realize what freedom I have lived in. she's not a flowery frivolous writer but powerful and descriptive. This book is a must if you want to know more about our world and the effect on the people's lives who live in China. loved it.

World View Altering

The most profound take away from this book for me is the way it changed my perception of the world. When referring to oppressive countries, I no longer refer to the country itself, but rather, to its government. As the author states, it’s mind-boggling what a few bad people can do to oppress the minds, livelihoods, and freedom of thousands, even millions. Thank you for this world-view altering gift.

Was not expecting this

This was a great read and narrator was amazing. I thought it would be more like a dialog but it was real history.

Communism for America? Read this first

It seems that “equality” under communist rule just means misery is seemingly shared by all. Astounding read.

Good read

l.learned more recent Chinese history reading this book then in any college course. compelling story.