I no longer have the terrible nightmares that I used to have. Mao had just died in 1976, and China began to open up. For the first time scholarships to go to the West to study were awarded on academic merit. Jung Chang academicawardbegin share on social
At the age of fifteen my grandmother became the concubine of a warlord general. Jung Chang ageconcubinefifteen Change image and share on social
Although my book is banned I am still allowed to go to China and travel. There is no longer the kind of control that Mao used to have-there have been deep fundamental changes in society. Jung Chang allowbanbook Change image and share on social
We were not treated by our own government as proper human beings and consequently, some outsiders did not regard us as the same kind of humans as themselves. Jung Chang beinggovernmenthuman Change image and share on social
For anyone to open their heart, they need the right atmosphere, and something to prompt them. For my mother it was her trip abroad: she was in a very relaxed, understanding environment. I was very sympathetic towards her. Jung Chang abroadatmosphereenvironment share on social
I was not allowed to take notes but my friend and I memorised those two and a half pages. Most people talked to me because of the warning. They knew this book was not going to be the official line. Jung Chang allowbookfriend Change image and share on social
I feel perhaps my heart is still in China. Jung Chang chinafeelheart Change image and share on social
When I was in China, Mao was Chairman, and parents were terrified to tell their children anything that differed from the party line in case the children repeated it and endangered the whole family. Jung Chang casechairmanchild Change image and share on social
In certain areas where the media are still controlled, the changes have come to a halt, which is a very frustrating situation. I would like the changes to take place throughout China. Jung Chang areachinacontrol Change image and share on social
