Peony in Love

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Jodi Long

"I finally understand what the poets have written. In spring, moved to passion; in autumn only regret."

For young Peony, betrothed to a suitor she has never met, these lyrics from The Peony Pavilion mirror her own longings. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, amid the scent of ginger, green tea, and jasmine, a small theatrical troupe is performing scenes from this epic opera, a live spectacle few females have ever seen. Like the heroine in the drama, Peony is the cloistered daughter of a wealthy family, trapped like a good-luck cricket in a bamboo-and-lacquer cage. Though raised to be obedient, Peony has dreams of her own.

Peony's mother is against her daughter's attending the production: "Unmarried girls should not be seen in public". But Peony's father assures his wife that proprieties will be maintained, and that the women will watch the opera from behind a screen. Yet through its cracks, Peony catches sight of an elegant, handsome man with hair as black as a cave: and is immediately overcome with emotion.

So begins Peony's unforgettable journey of love and destiny, desire and sorrow as Lisa See's haunting new novel, based on actual historical events, takes readers back to 17th-century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed.

Steeped in traditions and ritual, this story brings to life another time and place: even the intricate realm of the afterworld, with its protocols, pathways, and stages of existence, a vividly imagined place where one's soul is divided into three, ancestors offer guidance, misdeeds are punished, and hungry ghosts wander the earth. Immersed in the richness and magic of the Chinese vision of the afterlife, transcending even death, Peony in Love explores, beautifully, the many manifestations of love. Ultimately, Lisa See's new novel addresses universal themes: the bonds of friendship, the power of words, and the age-old desire of women to be heard.

©2007 Lisa See (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A complex period tapestry inscribed with the age-old tragedy of love and death.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Electrifying... a fascinating and often surprising story of women helping women, women hurting women and women misunderstanding each other.” (The Miami Herald)

“See mines an intriguing vein of Chinese history... weaving fact and fiction into a dense romantic tapestry of time and place as she meditates on the meaning of love, the necessity of self-expression and the influence of art.” (Los Angeles Times)

Heartbreaking Love Story

This is a deep dive into the Chinese culture and beliefs regarding love, life, and life in death....interesting and fascinating

Not quite as good as her other books.

This book is very similar to other works by Lisa See, she has a unique voice. I didn't like it quite as much as her others but it was still good. The narrator's voice was a little annoying at first but I got over it quickly.

Unpredictably lovely!!

I picked out this book after reading Snowflower and the Secret Fan, which was lovely, heart wrenching, and whimsical. This book by Lisa See was unpredictable and I honestly loved it. I don’t know much about Chinese culture so it was historically engaging as well as entertaining. I recommend it! Totally takes you away on a journey without leaving your spot.

Interesting

I loved the first Chapter. It was captivating. But once the main character died and was telling her story from the under world, it felt hopeless. But the history of 17th Century China and their culture, in the book, was interesting.

Peony in Love

I really enjoyed this book. The author was able to place you in the time period and really see the story play out before you.