A “vivid and extremely interesting” novel of an upper-class Chinese wife’s quest for freedom, from the Nobel Prize–winning author of The Good Earth (The New Yorker). At forty, Madame Wu is beautiful and much respected as the wife of one of China’s oldest upper-class houses. Her birthday wish is to find a young concubine for her husband and to move to separate quarters, starting a new chapter of … quarters, starting a new chapter of her life. When her wish is granted, she finds herself at leisure, no longer consumed by running a sixty-person household. Now she’s free to read books previously forbidden her, to learn English, and to discover her own mind. The family in the compound are shocked at the results, especially when she begins learning from a progressive, excommunicated Catholic priest. In its depiction of life in the compound, Pavilion of Women includes some of Buck’s most enchanting writing about the seasons, daily rhythms, and customs of women in China. It is a delightful parable about the sexes, and of the profound and transformative effects of free thought. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate.
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One of my favorites of Pearl Buck’s writings.
Pearl Buck writes of old world a China like no other. Take a step back into the past!
A great read. Enter into another culture and social structure and see the way in which human nature copes with its rules. What is hard wired into men and women and how much flexibility do we possess. Happiness vs duty. What an extraordinary woman toss an emotional grenade into her home and see what happens.
Love all of her books and this is one of her brst
Great book
Thought provoking
Always a fan of Pearl Buck. Have read this book more than once. Very hard to find in print. I have an older copy.
I loved it! My book club read it and everyone not only enjoyed it, but thought it was one of best books they had ever read.
This is a wonderful presentation of practical & spiritual feminism. What a wise compassionate person. Ms. Buck’s writing flows with beauty and wisdom. She presents the ancient Chinese culture so very well.
Pearl Buck never disappoints. And not only are her works spectacular novels and worth it just for the sheer entertainment, but they are educational and also extremely thought provoking.