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

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-03

### A Voice From Exile Jung Chang's journey as a writer is inseparable from her experience of exile. After leaving China in the late 1970s, she found a new home in London, a city that gave her the freedom to tell her family's story. London wasn't just a backdrop. It became a vital space where she could process her past and find the courage to write. The distance from her homeland allowed her to see her history with fresh eyes. ### The Role of London in Her Writing For Chang, London offered more than safety. It offered perspective. The city's rich literary culture and its embrace of diverse voices gave her the confidence to share a story that might have been silenced elsewhere. - She could access archives and research her family's history freely. - The city's multicultural environment helped her connect with a global audience. - London's libraries and universities provided resources unavailable in China at the time. ### Preserving Historical Truth Chang's work is a testament to the power of personal narrative in preserving history. "Wild Swans" is more than a memoir; it's a record of China's turbulent 20th century, told through the lives of three generations of women. She emphasizes the importance of telling stories that official histories often overlook. By focusing on her grandmother, mother, and herself, she creates a tapestry of resilience and survival. ### The Mother Who Made It Possible The title "Wild Swans" comes from a Chinese saying about the wild swan, a symbol of freedom and endurance. Chang credits her mother, Bao Qin, as the inspiration for the book. Bao Qin's own story—a journey from a privileged childhood to years of political persecution—forms the emotional core of the narrative. Her resilience taught Chang the value of perseverance. > "My mother never gave up hope. She taught me that even in the darkest times, you can find a way to keep moving forward." ### Exile as a Creative Force Living in exile isn't easy, but for Chang, it became a creative force. The distance from her homeland allowed her to write with honesty and clarity. She could explore painful memories without fear of immediate repercussions. - Exile gave her the freedom to critique political systems. - It allowed her to connect with other writers who shared similar experiences. - The loneliness of exile pushed her to dig deeper into her family's past. ### Why "Wild Swans" Still Matters Decades after its publication, "Wild Swans" remains a vital work. It's a reminder that history isn't just about dates and events—it's about people. Chang's ability to weave personal stories into a broader historical context makes her work timeless. For readers today, the book offers lessons about resilience, the cost of political oppression, and the enduring power of family bonds. It's a story that transcends borders and generations. ### Final Thoughts Jung Chang's conversation about London, exile, and her mother's influence is a masterclass in storytelling. It shows how one person's journey can illuminate a whole world. Her work continues to inspire writers and readers alike, proving that the most powerful stories are often the most personal.