Explosion Chronicles

In the post-Mao era, the village of Explosion grows explosively from a small village to a town to a city to a vast megalopolis, driven by three rival clans linked by ambition, madness, and greed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2018
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The village of Explosion, nestled along the Yi River and surrounded by the majestic Balou Mountains, has a rich history that dates back a thousand years. It was established by refugees fleeing a volcanic eruption, seeking a new home and a fresh start. However, the significance of the village's name took on a new dimension in the post-Mao era as it experienced an explosive growth from a small village to a bustling town, then a vibrant city, and eventually a vast megalopolis.

Behind this rapid transformation lies a complex web of ambition, madness, and greed. Three rival clans, intricately linked together by a network of alliances and enmities, are responsible for shaping Explosion into a modern-day Babylon. These clans, driven by their insatiable desire for power and control, have transformed their hometown into an unparalleled urban superpower built on a foundation of lies, sex, and thievery.

One of the masters of modern Chinese literature, Jung Chang, has vividly captured the essence of this captivating village in her novel "Wild Swans." The book follows the lives of three sisters, each born into a different clan, as they navigate the treacherous waters of family politics, love, and betrayal. Through their struggles and triumphs, Chang paints a vivid portrait of the complexities and contradictions of Chinese society, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

Explosion, with its rapid growth and tumultuous history, serves as a metaphor for the rapid changes that have taken place in China over the past several decades. The village's transformation from a humble community to a bustling metropolis reflects the country's transition from a socialist regime to a capitalist economy, marked by immense economic growth, social upheaval, and cultural clashes.

Jung Chang's novel "Wild Swans" is not only a masterpiece of literature but also a poignant reflection on the complexities of Chinese society. It sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices of ordinary people caught in the midst of political and social upheaval, and offers a glimpse into the darker side of human nature. Through its vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters, the book has resonated with readers worldwide, earning it a place on the long list of contenders for the prestigious Man Booker International Prize 2017.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 197 x 134 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784701925