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.
more
I am a life long fan of Pearl S. Buck and love her stories. I have read and reread her novels. A great story teller.
Multidimentional characters with good interwoven relationships. Builds understanding of cultural differences that define family expectations and the struggles of a girl becoming a young woman caught between her own desires and fulfillment and those of parents.
Fascinating look into familial culture and customs in China.
An absolutely beautiful novel. One of the best I have read in a long time. Historical fiction mixed with the complexities of being human. Wonderful. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved learning about the Jews in China, long before I knew they were there.The story was not predictable in some parts and predictable in others, but made for a great read. I loved the characters and the history of the times. The historical perspective at the end of the book was even more interesting. I am really glad I read
3.5 stars is probably more accurate a rating. Pearl S. Buck has a lovely way of conveying Chinese sensibility in her writing. So, this is a pleasure to read. From a plot standpoint however, I found the resolution of the plot a bit clunky.
PEONY is fundamentally a romance focused on the first born son of a wealthy merchant and a bondmaid in his …
I felt connected to the story. A history of the Jewish people I knew nothing about. It was sad and a realistic account of how people lived and felt in those days. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
I loved this book. For anyone who loves the classics and a great author this is one to read or reread.
As with all of Ms. Buck’s reads, what a wonderful story.
Pearl Buck gave a history lesson with this book. I could not put it down.
It was a book that I didn’t want to put it down, but I was expecting more drama, I suppose. I do recommend it nevertheless. I was let down by the ending , but that is just my expectations had been off the mark 🙂
Despite the fact that this is an “old” book, the existence of Jewish communities in old-world China and their interactions with their Asian neighbors was fascinating. The characters were well described, the dialogue and action were realistic, and the plot lines made sense. What was perhaps most fascinating, was the fact that the Chinese …
This is one of the few books of Pearl Buck’s books I have read. I always like books about the orient. I learned a lot.
Best read in a long time.
Beautifully written story. Great character development. Intriguing setting.
Pearl S. Buck at her very best! Peony is a bondmaid in the house of Ezra. Set in China just after the Opium War, the author tells the story of the Jewish colony in Kaifeng. I knew nothing about the Jewish colonies in China, so I found this a very interesting and informative read. Even if you are not a history buff, the story of the times and the …
Interesting combination of Jewish and Chinese cultures and a love story intertwined in them. Nice, easy reading
I enjoyed learning about the Jewish sect that established itself in China and how they were so accepted.
Not your run of the mill Asian Books.Characters well developed and thought provoking, I truly love to read a good book such as this !!!!
I love everything by Pearl Buck! She paints a picture of Chinese culture like no other.