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Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women at the Heart of Twentieth-Century China

432 pages, 2020

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In Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister, Jung Chang tells the story of three women who were sisters and wives of two important men: Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek. One sister married Sun Yat-sen and became a political figure in her own right; another sister married Chiang Kai-shek and became his main adviser; the third sister married Chiang's main rival, Zhou Enlai. 

The book takes us on a sweeping journey from Canton to Hawaii to New York, from exiles' quarters in Japan and Berlin to secret meeting rooms in Moscow, and from the compounds of the Communist elite in Beijing to the corridors of power in democratic Taiwan. 

In this group biography that is by turns intimate and epic, Chang reveals how these three extraordinary women helped shape twentieth-century China.

The Power of Sisterhood

Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister by Jung Chang explores the bond of sisterhood and its power to withstand the test of time and political turmoil. The three Soong sisters, despite their different paths, remained connected and influential in each other's lives.

Women in Politics

The book gives us a glimpse into the lives of three women who were at the heart of twentieth-century China. It shows how they navigated the male-dominated world of politics, making significant contributions to their country's history.

Historical Insight

Jung Chang provides a detailed account of China's political and social landscape during the twentieth century. Through the lives of the Soong sisters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the country's transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation.

Personal Sacrifices for Greater Good

The Soong sisters made personal sacrifices for the greater good of their country. Their stories serve as a reminder of the lengths people can go to for their beliefs and the impact they can have on the world.

Intriguing Personalities

The book delves into the personalities of the three sisters, each unique and fascinating in her own right. Their stories are filled with intrigue, drama, and resilience, making for an engaging read.