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

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.

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.

A Fascinating Chapter in Jewish - Chinese History

This novel is perhaps not as strong as The Good Earth or Pavilion of Women but the story chronicles a fascinating chapter in both Jewish and Chinese history; the final years of a distinct Jewish presence in Kaifeng. A warning; some Jews may be offended by Buck's views on why Jews have been historically persecuted. The book includes a wonderfully informative epilogue by a scholar of Sino-Judaica which provides a historical context for the novel. It affirms the accuracy of much of what Buck writes and points out specific places where Buck has taken literary license. For Buck fans, like me, you will want to listen, and for those who want to learn more about the Jewish culture in China, you will also want to listen. For centuries, China was a safe haven for Jews who came to China via the silk road. In the years leading up to the Holocaust, Shanghai welcomed Jews when countries around the world denied them entry.

Excellent

This book reminded me of Imperial Woman. Kristen Potter narrates both and provides an easy listening experience. Well worth the time to enjoy another classic Pearl S.buck.

It’s dated

The book sounds dated. It reads like a book about Jews written by a non-Jew. It relies on stereotypes and there is a strong bias against Jews. It’s a good exercise in the thinking of people who see themselves as open minded but are unaware of there own preconceived beliefs. It seems promising in the beginning; I finished the book, but lost interest about a third of the way through.

Enjoyable Book

What did you love best about Peony?

I really enoyed this book. The srory line was good, with interesting characters. I first thought the book was just a romantic tale between the upper and poorer classes of Imperial China, but it was more complex that that. I hadn't realised that there had been such a strong Jewish comunity in China at that time, so it was historically very interesting too.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the way it was written, it seemed to flow well. The characters were all interesting and drew you in,

What about Kirsten Potter’s performance did you like?

I thought it was well narrated.

Any additional comments?

I would probably liten to this again sometime.

Great story!

This is historical fiction novel but much of what the author writes is based on facts about a Jewish family who is living in China in the 19th century, The end of the book gives some great historical facts about how the Jews came to China as they were forced to leave their homeland. A great story!

Not what I expected

The whole story was unfilled love... a Jewish girl commits suicide bec David doesn't love her. David discovers his love for Peony too late, and married for prettiness. His mom dies unfilled in their religion is forgotten and he doesn't marry someone to carry it on and that loves him Peony constructs a marriage when she loves David...makes no sense to me! There wasn't as much history/tradition in the story until the last chapter. It wasn't really a "love" or romance story. It was just an ordinary story of Jews in China who completely forget their religion. pointless

Excellent

Would you consider the audio edition of Peony to be better than the print version?

I'm not familiar with the print version but I found this audiobook to be excellent. The story was riveting. I had found the first chapter rather slow going, but once the story moved into the second and subsequent chapters I found myself hooked. The themes of loyalty, religiosity, power and love were interestingly interwoven in the story. It was very well read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peony?

Perhaps the point where Leah killed herself. I never saw that coming and it was certainly a critical turning point.

Which scene was your favorite?

The one that saw David and his father spending the night out on a boat for dinner with their friends.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes...but I think it is best heard in short sittings as there is much to ponder upon as the story unfolds.

Any additional comments?

You've done a super job with this version !