Wild Swans is the sort of book you can't read on a train without people telling you how good it is. If you're a bit of a poser, accept no substitutes.

It's also a fascinating journey through three generations of life in 20th Century China, during which the country transformed beyond all recognition. Jung Chang adds a human dimension to huge events such as the Great Leap Forward and, horribly, the Cultural Revolution. I don't think I could read it again, but it's an essential book.

DAMN, though

Three generations of clever women raised in a turbulent China- dancing between the lines of societal expectations and their own life goals. Marvelous book with magnificent detail. Would highly recommend!

An incredible true story recounting the lives of three generations in China, depicting how truly vast and varied the human experience can be. This book has the increased mystique of being banned in China, as it gives the reader an intimate understanding of recent Chinese history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to get a clearer picture of the pre- and early Communist era in China, as well as those looking for a dramatic and emotional read.

This was an engaging biographical history of China across 3 generations. The book was difficult to read in several places as people were treated so horrifically. Chang's account was thorough and detailed, providing all the political background needed to understand what was happening. I felt thoroughly re-educated by the time I had finished the book. It is lengthy and took me a long time to read it, but it is one that I will always remember.

Masterpiece. A book to come back to again and again. The characters are vivid and their stories are very moving. The historical background is fascinating.