Peony

A Novel of China

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid - an awkward role in which she is more a servant, but less a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family's only son. However, tradition forbids them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in this profound tale, based on true events in China over a century ago.

©1948 Pearl S Buck (P)2011 Oasis

unrealistic

Peony did not come off as a realistic character. If she was really in love, she would have married as a concubine. She was Chinese,not Jewish, so I don't accept her reasoning to stay with him for life as some kind of friend. Seems her heart aches for him and she just put it aside. The story elsewise was good.

A good read

Any additional comments?

Peony is the first book I have read by Pearl S. Buck and it will not be the last. I plan to now move to her most famous work The Good Earth. Peony tells the story of a Jewish family living in China around 1850 and weaves deftly personal and cultural conflicts with serviceable and comfortable prose. The plot has twists and resists a pat ending. The afterword provided the historical background and helpfully pointed out spots where Buck took literary license in the chronology of the Jewish diaspora into China.

Engrossing

Putting aside the amazingly poor pronunciation of some of the words which makes me think it may be done by AI, both the book and the last chapter were edifying and culturally fascinating. Worth a listen.

Jews in China

I enjoyed the Professors comment at the end of the book and her historical and archaeological review of the history of Jews in China. I was impressed at how well Peal S. Buck weaved the historical information into a fascinating story from the view point of a Chinese bonds women. Buck painted a picture of the land, culture, religious beliefs and business on the silk road into a story that includes suspense, loyalty, love, and family relationships. Kristen Potter did an excellent job with narration. I read some Pearl Buck stories back in the 1950 and 60s, I am so glad Audible is providing books by this great author, looking forward to reading more Peal Buck books.

Peony

This story of the Jewish diaspora in China was a big surprise. Pearl Buck displayed a fine sensitiviity toward both Jewish and Chinese cultures and attitudes.