Wild Swans

Mind-boggling account of Chinese upheaval

Would you consider the audio edition of Wild Swans to be better than the print version?

Not necessarily. I have the print version and consider both valuable.

What did you like best about this story?

Although I was familiar with the outlines of this period in China, I found the personal story of the family that goes through the experiences of drastic changes riveting.

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

Maybe something like "adapt or die" or "what seems to be true isn't" or "you can't always get what you want and sometimes you can't even get what you need"

Any additional comments?

Amazing story, well told.

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Exceptional Story!

Enthralling story. Well written, beautifully read. Truly an anazing story told across generations intertwined with a balance of history and information.

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The Reality behind the History.

I read Jung Chang's life story for the first time many years ago before I had my own family. I recently decided to listen to Wild Swans. Jung sketched a very vivid picture of her life ( and that of her mother and grandmother), whilst integrating the historical facts. This made the book gripping and informative. Not only do I now have a better understanding of the situation in China during that time but also grew in my empathy for people who face so many difficulties beyond their control. Jung kept a fine balance between telling her story objectively but added enough emotional information to take me with her and her family on their journey of sadness, anger, frustration and joy . The integration of the bigger picture history with the impact on her family circle made Wild Swans an unforgettable experience. Pik-sen Lim brought the book to life with very good narration and authentic Chinese pronunciations. #pastmeetpresent #heartfelt #China #multigenerational #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

Extraordinary biografy/history book

The most extraordinary biography I ever read. An astonishing view over the China history of the XXth siecle, and critising opinion on Mao's era. I'm not very emotional when reading, but this one made me cry sometimes. The narrator it is just perfect for this great book

A must read to truly understand modern China

As an expat living in Hong Kong, I often wondered how there could be such a drastic change in people by just crossing the border into Shenzhen or a quick flight to Xi’an. Wild Swans provided a vivid history through an amazing story or hardship and perseverance.

A powerful personal history of China

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

For an understanding of the last century of Chinese history, I believe this book is a must read.

What did you like best about this story?

It is difficult to imagine the society described in this book. Orwell's fictional 1984 pales in comparison to this personal and family history of life under communism and its predecessors. This story depicts unbelievable suffering and oppression. Man's inhumanity to man is laid out plainly in event after event.

What about Pik-sen Lim’s performance did you like?

Very well read, but felt a bit slow. However, it's a weighty story and the pace allowed me to keep up.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's too long, and the story is too oppressive to listen in one sitting for me. I listened in 4-5 hour chunks and that was sometimes hard to handle.

Amazing resilience.

Would you consider the audio edition of Wild Swans to be better than the print version?

I always like the audio versions better than print because if the narrator is good it transports you into the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The part of the story I liked best is the insight into a culture and country that I have not visited. Each generation was different in what they had to endure but it was horrifying at times.

What does Pik-sen Lim bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice brings the story to life in a way that reading can't come close to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There is a real anguish when reading of what people endured and how different their lives are from generation to generation. It is better but not acceptable yet. Another nauseating example of mans inhumanity to man. I am amazed at how they came through such difficult circumstances but these truths are necessary to learn about. Appreciation for life comes from knowing these histories versus ignoring them.

Any additional comments?

Great story and plenty of historical facts. An eye opener and a definite read for those interested in other cultures.

Fantastic read. Reads like fiction but is not.

Provides so real insight into modern China. An excellent reader. Three generations and so much change.

Great book

Good insight into real Chinese history. Raw and beautifully written. Stop reading the reviews, read the book ;)

Way too long

I liked that after 27 hours it ended positively! Very sad story of an amazingly brilliant family and young woman finally finding freedom!