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)

Awesome Epic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this to some friends with similar interests

Who was your favorite character and why?

None

What aspect of Joy Osmanski’s performance would you have changed?

She has a very harsh tone. Soften it a bit please. It is hard listening to her for long

Historical with real characters

This was an eye opener into the history of China and the changes in government that impacted the lives of the Chinese. A very good insight into the beliefs and values of these people as well as their strengths in facing their many trials.

Not like a history book but very informative. I was drawn into the book immediately.

The best kind of intimate history

If you could sum up Wild Swans in three words, what would they be?

Frightful, sad, courageous

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wild Swans?

The stories of the author's mother, desperately trying to be a good communist and to believe in the ideology, but at every turn harassed and thwarted by an irrational state and her husband.

What does Joy Osmanski bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She tells the stories in a believable way. She handles the Chinese names and words well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were dozens. It is appropriate that this is one of the biggest best-sellers of all memoirs in English. 16 million sold. Everyone should learn about China in the 20th century, and this is a good start to learn about it. I'll be assigning the print version for my world civilization students, at the college level.

A must listen.

What did you love best about Wild Swans?

Any one interested in China or with Chinese friends should listen to this book.

Incredible story with such historical background.

The story of three generations of Chinese women was interesting on its own merits but adding the background of the rise of Mao in China, made it the best book I have read in a long time. There was so much that I didn't know about this part of China's history. Especially at this time in the U.S., I think it's crucial that we see how a dictator can take control and how the people can not even realize it until their lives have been destroyed.

Packed full of deatal, maybe a little too much

A very informative and thought provocing look at the way that 20th century chinese politics affected the lives of 3 generations of women from 1 family. I think the book would have benefitted from some extra editing and maybe a little more descriptive text. Still a very worthwhile read. So much tragedy in one lifetime is hard to contemplate.

I should have, but never knew

I am just completely blown away, for lack of a better way to say it. I never knew how horrible it was for the Chinese people back then.

I am so sorry for those that suffered. Jung Changs' words were so perfect in telling the story as if I were there.

I cried on many occasions while listening to this book.

This is a VERY good book and Jungs' life along with her family is an absolutely incredible one.

Reread, better than I remember

I read this book on a whim a few years ago and loved it. Now, listening to it on audible, it’s even better! A brilliant story of three generations growing up in China coming first hand. Great context and compassion of the dark history and turmoil. I am a woman and greatly appreciate the female narrative but I think this is a great book for all genders to read for the history and context of what China has gone through. I am also American so learning through a personal story of the mysterious communist country, China, has given me more understanding of what all forms of politics is potentially capable of but most of all to be grateful to live in a stat that has more tolerance even though we complain.

Amazing lives lived by three generations. Loved it

Great writing, and great narration (voice and inflection). I have and will continue to recommend it to others.

Engrossing Story

A family account of the lives of three generations of women in twentieth century China. Very engrossing!