The Greatest Chinese Family and History Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 488 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Family

The "Family" category of books encompasses stories that revolve around the dynamics, relationships, and experiences of families. These books explore the complexities of familial bonds, including love, loyalty, conflict, and forgiveness. They may focus on different types of families, such as nuclear families, blended families, or extended families, and may cover a range of themes, from coming-of-age tales to domestic dramas. Overall, the "Family" category offers a rich and diverse collection of books that delve into the joys and challenges of family life.

History

The category of "History" in books refers to the study and interpretation of past events, societies, and cultures. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, as well as the lives of individuals and groups who have shaped the course of history. History books can be written from various perspectives and may focus on specific time periods, regions, or themes. They aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

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  1. 1. Wild Swans by Jung Chang

    Three Daughters of China

    This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

    The 950th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. To Live by Yu Hua

    The story follows the life of Fugui, a once wealthy landowner who loses his fortune through gambling and is forced to adapt to a life of hardship and poverty. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events in 20th-century China, including the Chinese Civil War, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, Fugui's journey is marked by personal loss and resilience. Despite the relentless suffering and tragedies that befall him and his family, Fugui's enduring spirit and capacity for survival underscore the human ability to persevere through the most challenging circumstances.

    The 2460th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Book of Songs by China

    The Ancient Chinese Classic of Poetry

    "The Book of Songs" is a collection of ancient Chinese poetry, providing a rich cultural and historical insight into early Chinese society. The anthology includes various types of poems, such as folk songs, hymns, and courtly songs, reflecting the life, customs, and beliefs of different social classes. It serves as a significant literary work and historical document, revealing the evolution of the Chinese language, thoughts, and values over centuries.

    The 2903rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

    The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

    "Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

    The 3138th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. China Along The Yellow River by Cao Jinqing

    Reflections on Rural Society in the 1990s

    This book provides a detailed sociological examination of rural China through the lens of villages along the Yellow River. The author, an urban intellectual, immerses himself in the daily lives of rural residents, uncovering the profound economic struggles, social changes, and the enduring traditions that define their existence. Through vivid narrative and insightful analysis, the book explores the impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization on these communities, offering a poignant look at the disparities between China's urban and rural landscapes.

    The 5490th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Spring Moon by Betty Bao Lord

    A Novel of China

    Set against the backdrop of a changing China from the late Qing Dynasty through the Cultural Revolution, the novel follows the life of Spring Moon, a young noblewoman of the Soong family. As she navigates the complexities of tradition and modernity, Spring Moon experiences personal tragedies and triumphs while witnessing the seismic shifts in Chinese society. Her story is one of love, loss, and resilience, reflecting the broader historical forces at play that reshape her country and her family's destiny. Through her eyes, readers experience the clash of old values with new ways, and the struggle to find harmony amidst chaos.

    The 6496th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Our Story by Rao Pingru

    A Memoir of Love and Life in China

    Set against the backdrop of 20th-century China, this poignant memoir unfolds the tender love story of a devoted couple, capturing the essence of their enduring bond through decades of political upheaval and personal challenges. The narrative is enriched with vivid illustrations and heartfelt reflections, offering a glimpse into the everyday joys and struggles of their shared life. Through the lens of nostalgia and resilience, the story celebrates the beauty of companionship and the timeless power of love.

    The 6653rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Jiling Chronicles by Li Yung-p'ing

    The Unfolding of a Hidden World

    Set in a remote village in northeastern China, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of its inhabitants as they navigate the complexities of tradition, change, and survival. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of cultural and social upheaval. The characters' struggles and triumphs are poignantly depicted, offering a rich, immersive experience that captures the essence of human endurance and the spirit of community.

    The 6816th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Ancient Ship by Zhang Wei

    A Novel of China

    Set in a small Chinese village, the story spans several decades, chronicling the lives of three generations of the Sui family as they navigate the profound social and political changes of 20th-century China. The narrative interweaves personal struggles with broader historical events, capturing the impact of land reforms, the Cultural Revolution, and modernization on rural life. Through richly detailed prose, the book explores themes of tradition, resilience, and the inexorable passage of time, painting a vivid portrait of a community in flux.

    The 7099th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Old Capital by Chu Tʽien-hsin

    Set in the historic city of Kyoto, the narrative follows the introspective journey of a middle-aged woman named Nagai as she grapples with the passage of time and the impermanence of life. Through her reflections on the city's rich cultural heritage and her personal memories, the story delves into themes of nostalgia, identity, and the inevitable changes brought by modernity. The protagonist's contemplations are interwoven with vivid descriptions of Kyoto's landscapes and traditions, creating a poignant meditation on the intersection of past and present.

    The 9031st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. 舊址 by Li Rui

    一部中国现代史的缩影

    The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time through the lens of a small Chinese village. It intricately weaves the lives of its characters, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of history on personal identity. As the village undergoes transformation, the characters grapple with their pasts and the shifting landscape, revealing the profound connections between place and self. The narrative is rich with cultural and emotional depth, offering a poignant reflection on the inevitability of change and the persistence of the human spirit.

    The 9578th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Lucky Worries About His Country by Chang Ta-chun

    The story follows Lucky, a young boy living in Taiwan, as he navigates his concerns about his country's future amidst political and social changes. Through his eyes, readers experience the complexities of Taiwanese identity, the impact of historical events, and the challenges of modernity. Lucky's journey is a poignant exploration of national pride, cultural heritage, and the anxieties that come with growing up in a rapidly evolving society.

    The 10427th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download