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.
more
This is an all time favorite. Her writing is current today the same as it was when written in 1946. The book is a much better read than the film produced in early 2000.
The story provides a picture of the struggles of a women’s place in those days and how she finds inner-freedom. A very interesting read.
It has been years since I have read anything by Pearl Buck but I love anything about the old imperial China and Pearl Buck writes the best. It started with “The Good Earth” we had to read in school. Hard to write a review since it has been years and will do so after I reread. But if you love to read about life in imperial China and have read Pear …
This is one of my favorite Pearl Buck books. It is a wonderful insight to a very old, different, and unique culture.
It does not matter which one of her books is chosen, all of her novels are informative, easy to read and never a disappointment.
Delving into the thought processes of a woman as she becomes aware of her influence on others. I LOVE THIS BOOK
An interesting viewpoint of a society that was changing. Love everything that Pearl Buck writes.
Beautifully written. As relevant in 2020 as it was in 1946. Unforgettable characters
This is written with affection and intelligence for its topic
Possibly one of her best novels; an original character and set in the transitional historical times of Imperial China moving to modern day; the old meets the new.
I like Pearl Buck. She sparks my imagination about an unfamiliar culture in an earlier time
This novel is very intriguing. The setting is ancient China. Women were mistreated. A very poor girl through an interesting set of circumstances becomes one of the wives of a rich man. There is a love interest with an American priest that is unrequited. The role of concubines is quite interesting.
Pearl S. Buck never disappoints!
Great read
I enjoy learning about other cultures. Wonderful stories.
Pearl Buck takes us on yet another journey through The Chinese culture and reminds us of how every generation must reinvent itself through love, education, religion
Didn’t know what to expect, but was intrigued by a wife finding a concubine for her husband…highly recommend this book. It will make you contemplate your own life
The history in this book was fascinating.
A beautifully written and informative novel
Loved it. A tale of romance an feminine intrigue set in early 20th century China. A wind of change is blowing through the land, but tradition is hard to let go of. This is a tale of friendship and bonding, of the voyage of self-discovery that rings true today.
Pearl S. Buck is a master storyteller.