Publishing History

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China is a memoir by Chinese author Jung Chang, first published in 1991. The book chronicles the lives of three generations of women in Chang's family: her grandmother, her mother, and herself, against the backdrop of China's tumultuous history during the 20th century.

The book begins with the story of Chang's grandmother, who was born into a feudal society and became a concubine to a warlord general. It then follows the life of Chang's mother, who embraced the ideals of the Communist Revolution and became a high-ranking official in the Communist Party. Finally, the narrative shifts to Jung Chang herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution and eventually moved to the United Kingdom, where she wrote Wild Swans.

Wild Swans was initially published in English by HarperCollins in the United Kingdom and Simon & Schuster in the United States. The book became an international bestseller, receiving critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of life in China and its insightful exploration of the impact of historical events on individual lives.

The memoir has been translated into more than 40 languages, making it one of the most translated and widely read Chinese books. However, Wild Swans is banned in China due to its critical portrayal of the Communist regime and its leaders, including Mao Zedong.

Despite the ban, Wild Swans has had a significant impact on readers worldwide, providing a deeply personal and compelling narrative of China's modern history.