Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Book review by Tyrone C.
I sometimes like to compare the journey of reading a book to entering a world of complete mystery; where everything around me is constantly changing – even more so than Earth – and I feel suddenly connected to all of my senses, and the characteristics of everybody become known to only me. I feel like I am sitting in the sky, watching over everything…
However, admittedly, this does not occur very often; it only happens when I am reading a book that I truly like, that I am engaged in, and that I feel like I could read over and over again – although somehow I never get around to doing the latter of these. Recently, I was pondering over the biographical section when the title Wild Swans seemed to drift out of the shelf and float into my hands. I sat down at home later that day, the book nestled in my hands like a fluffy cygnet – the irony had already sunk in – and I began to read… Wild Swans, by Jung Chang, explores the moral, although mostly immoral ramifications of the Cultural Revolution in China, as well as perhaps half a century before and after. It does this through telling the stories of three directly related women (grandmother, mother, and daughter) who suffered the many sufferings of this time. The plot was somewhat engaging, the description very refined, and most importantly of all, the author knew how to use her emotions to portray the animosity that she felt towards Mao, without having to constantly contradict herself as she was writing about how her generation were taught to love Mao and never to distrust him – and this took the majority of her time at school!
What is also interesting is the style in which she writes about terrible occurrences; she is able to keep a very controlled tone, yet if necessary, she can raise or lower this, but never by more than what is requested. I would recommend this book to anyone – solely on account of this factor, as I have read other books of the same genre that have not achieved this sense of power – yet it does take quite a while. However, a book like this cannot be missed. Wild Swans is a great read.
Image: http://www.amazon.com 27/3/08
March 27th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
It sounds like a great book., Tyrone. I was just wondering, is it based on a true story, or is it Fictional? I have read quite a few books based on the happenings of the Cultural Revolution in China, and they are all touching stories, so this is definitly on my to-read list.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
hey tyrone great review, keep them coming!!
March 30th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Ronald,
As a matter of fact, this book is wriitten as a biography, so is as true as it can get… however, as with all biographies, and other historical accounts, human perception always leads to different views on actual happenings. However, I did find that Jung Chang was very truthful in her style of writing, there seemed to be little exaggeration, and with all honesty, she portrayed the image of the Cultural Revolution with great precision.
On the other topic, I hope you enjoy the book, as I did.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Tyrone, through your various ideas and summary, Wild Swans is obviously going to be a great read. I have read many books in regard to the Cultural Revolution and I strongly believe that these books which exemplify and envisage the plot in intricate detail proves extremely effective in showing the reader that particular or specific topic. After reading your summary, Tyrone, I felt more intrigued in reading Wild Swans and I already fell that I am going to like it!!!
Thanks!
March 31st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Jia Xiang,
I’m glad to see that you have such confidence in an unknown reviewer like myself, however, I always find that the best way to find a great book is to ask amongst one’s peers, and I do hope that you enjoy what I picked out to be a marvellous read!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Sounds interesting…
April 15th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
An excellent review Tyronne. I’m glad I recommended the book to you.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Good review Tyrone.