A young Chinese woman falls in love with a Jewish man in nineteenth-century China in this evocative novel by the Nobel Prize–winning author of The Good Earth. In 1850s China, a young girl, Peony, is sold to work as a bondmaid for a rich Jewish family in Kaifeng. Jews have lived for centuries in this region of the country, but by the mid-nineteenth century, assimilation has begun taking its toll … has begun taking its toll on their small enclave. When Peony and the family’s son, David, grow up and fall in love with one another, they face strong opposition from every side. Tradition forbids the marriage, and the family already has a rabbi’s daughter in mind for David. Long celebrated for its subtle and even-handed treatment of colliding traditions, Peony is an engaging coming-of-age story about love, identity, and the tragedy and beauty found at the intersection of two disparate cultures. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate.
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I love Pearl Buck so I might be partial. But this book was an amazing story about a selfless woman who served a family her entire life, and the Jews who settled in China during the Diaspora. Highly recommended.
If you’ve ever read Pearl S. Buck nothing more need be said. This is another experience. If you’ve never experienced her colorful, descriptive writing in which characters come to life then read one of her books including this one. You will never be disappointed.
Still relevant after all these years. Themes of racism, and duty to family, set in China. Each character makes sacrifices to be true to themselves.
Wonderful story.
As a fan of Pearl Buck, I often read any book she has written. Peony is the story of a servant girl working in the house of wealthy Chinese Jews. It was quite an interesting story about a group of people I never knew existed. I recommend this book to try one interested in Chinese culture.
It was an extremely well written story. I had read several of her books on China and loved them. Didn’t know she wrote books in the American setting so I was pleasantly surprised to find this one. She’s just a great writer and this book was no exception.
Love Pearl Buck, great read.
My first book by pearl buck-the characters and history of a culture was expressed interestingly in this novel- I loved it
Typical engrossing Pear Buck.
An oldie but goodie.
one of my favorite writers and such a fascinating topic
Fascinating history, complex characters.
Great historical fiction about the Chinese culture from the past. Actually this book spans several generations which kept moving you along throughout the book.