Book Review #17
A month ago I read The Good Earth by Pearl Buck on my sister Stacey's recommendation. She loves this book and has read the trilogy. She was such a fan of this book that a few friends and I decided to give it a read. I'm glad I did.
From Amazon.com: Though more than sixty years have passed since this remarkable novel won the Pulitzer Prize, it has retained its popularity and become one of the great modern classics. "I can only write what I know, and I know nothing but China, having always lived there," wrote Pearl Buck. In The Good Earth she presents a graphic view of a China when the last emperor reigned and the vast political and social upheavals of the twentieth century were but distant rumblings for the ordinary people. This moving, classic story of the honest farmer Wang Lung and his selfless wife O-lan is must reading for those who would fully appreciate the sweeping changes that have occurred in the lives of the Chinese people during this century.
I really liked this book. I liked the writing style...even though it was somewhat dispassionate I felt it was beautifully and simply written. I have never read a book about China where the narration is from a man's perspective before. It was interesting to see life through the main character, Wang Lung's, eyes. I loved reading about his day to day life. The words just seemed to flow off the page for me. I definitely wanted to learn more about O-lan, the wife of Wang Lung. I thought she was fascinating. I wish we got more of a glimpse of what was going on in her mind. I would have loved to know her thoughts and feelings. The part when she has to give up those two pearls just broke my heart. Sometimes Wang Lung gets a reputation for being despicable...I didn't think Wang Lung was despicable...he was what he was...a man of his time and he did what men did. I think for the most part he always tried to do what was right for his family. Unfortunately we forget that it wasn't that long ago that women were pretty much just property. The closing scene at the end of the book where Wang Lung overhears his sons discussing selling the land when he is gone and he interrupts them and they tell him that they won't really sell it...wink wink...brought tears to my eyes. I think the book was beautifully symbolic of pre- and post- revolutionary China.
I would definitely recommend this book...especially to all the "classic-lovers". I rate it: VERY GOOD.
7 comments:
What? You read it a whole month ago? And are only recapping it now because you were waiting for your book club moderator to finally send out an email?
That was a great review, I was surprised I felt as much sympathy for Wang Lung as I did. Although a tiny bit of feminism would bubble in me, the times were different. I think the undetached and somewhat droll telling of the story is what helped. You read the story for how it was for the people then.
Although O Lan broke my heart over and over, and yes the pearls were the worst part. And the uncle, oh I could throttle him!
I'm glad we read it, I'm sorry I flaked, maybe January!
I love your new blog banner! It's beautiful. You know how I like a great picture (the main reason I blog is to post my pictures and look at people's pictures). I just love clicking on your blog even more now, this great picture pops up!
So glad that you are back and blogging like a pro! :)
I LOVE the new banner. That is the view I had from my bedroom window all those years growing up--not a more beautiful mountain. Did you take that? I have been looking for one taken in the fall . . . check out www.willieholdman.com for some great Mt. Timp pics. LOVE IT!
We are surviving the Burning Inferno of So. Cal. We are housing some evacuees at our place. So far, no fires here. Pretty crazy!!
Glad you are feeling better.
Na-
I'm glad you guys are ok!! Scary.I DID take that picture myself...standing right in front of my old house. I have such a soft spot for Cascade and that big old swirl in the mountain. Gorgeous!
That's a great site too!! Thanks for the tip. I do miss those Utah mountains...especially any of the ones near the dell.
I love this book too. I didn't realize it was part of a trilogy. Tell me more. Your banner looks great. Very fitting for the springdell girl.
Your new banner makes me homesick for Provo canyon...one of my favorite places!
I did see Springdell on my last trip and understand your banner picture perfectly:)
I did like this book. Wang Lang was who he was. And my father in-law has much of the same ideas about land as Wang Lung so I've always agreed that land is security.
Too bad we never got a great discussion going on on Good Reads. Especially since we all read it AND liked it.
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