Jung Chang on London, Exile, and the Mother Behind Wild Swans

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-03

Jung Chang is a name that resonates with anyone who loves a powerful story about family, history, and survival. Her book "Wild Swans" has touched millions of readers worldwide. But what drove her to write it? And how did her time in London shape her voice? In a recent conversation, Chang opened up about her new project "Fly," her life in exile, and the incredible mother who inspired her most famous work. It's a story about preserving truth, even when it's painful. ### London as a Writing Sanctuary Chang moved to London years ago, and she says the city gave her something she never had before: distance. Distance from the chaos of China's Cultural Revolution, and distance from the emotional weight of her family's past. "London allowed me to see my history from the outside," she explained. "It gave me the clarity to write without fear." The city's quiet libraries and long walks along the Thames became her creative refuge. For her, exile wasn't just about leaving a place. It was about finding a new lens to tell old stories. ### The Mother Who Made Wild Swans Possible The heart of "Wild Swans" is Chang's mother, a woman who lived through unimaginable hardship. Chang credits her mother with preserving the family's history through oral storytelling. "She didn't just survive," Chang said. "She remembered everything, and she passed it down." Her mother's courage became the backbone of the book. Without her willingness to share painful memories, "Wild Swans" would never have existed. Chang sees her mother as the true hero of the story. ### Why Historical Truth Matters Now Chang believes that preserving historical truth is more important than ever. In a world where facts can be twisted, she says personal stories are a powerful anchor. "When you write about real lives, you create a record that can't be erased," she noted. She also touched on the responsibility of writers to dig deeper. "It's not about sensationalism. It's about honoring the people who lived through those moments." For Chang, every detail matters, from the smallest memory to the largest event. ### The Challenge of Exile and Creativity Living in exile comes with its own set of challenges. Chang admitted that sometimes she feels torn between two worlds. "You're never fully at home anywhere," she said. "But that tension can fuel your creativity." She finds that writing helps her bridge the gap. "When I write about China, I'm not just remembering. I'm reconnecting." Her work is a way to stay rooted, even when her feet are thousands of miles away. ### What's Next for Jung Chang Chang is currently working on "Fly," a project that continues her exploration of family and history. She hinted that it will dive even deeper into the lives of women in her family. "There are so many untold stories," she shared. "I want to bring them to light." Fans of "Wild Swans" can expect the same emotional depth and meticulous research. Chang's goal is simple: to make sure these voices are never forgotten. ### Final Thoughts Jung Chang's journey shows us that storytelling is an act of courage. Whether you're in London, Beijing, or anywhere else, the truth has a way of finding its voice. Her mother's legacy lives on through every page she writes. If you're a writer or a history lover, take a lesson from Chang. Dig into your own family's past. You never know what stories are waiting to be told.