Peony

I accidentally found "Peony" while I was trying to find a book that would teach me how to grow peonies. The title, the topic and Buck's reputation helped me decide to read it. I am so glad that I did. Other reviewers have told of the understated, beautiful use of language. They have spoken of the interesting juxtaposition of the Jewish and Chinese cultures, the gentleness of the story, and Buck's decision not to satisfy our need for a Hollywood ending. All of these wonderful aspects allowed me to focus on other layers of the novel. The fact that the Jewish community in Kaifeng eventually allowed themselves to forget their own culture was fascinating. Their acceptance of and integration into the Chinese culture is portrayed as inexorable. Most slipped away easily; others faced the loss with overwhelming grief. Buck describes the Chinese characters in this book as being accepting of others while being a bit hedonistic themselves. They choose to seek pleasure and temporal fullfillment while the Jews focus on the horror of oppression, complex ritual and the absolute truth of their history and destiny. In other words, it seemed that the Jews were willing to give up their faith because it was difficult to maintain personally and for the community as a whole. The final destruction of the core of the Jewish community is, ironically, a product of being a "chosen people." Kao Lien (a business associate of the Ezra family) tells David ben Ezra (Peony's young master) that the Jews, "were hated because they separated themselves from the rest of mankind. They called themselves chosen of God." This is David's first inkling that the world has alternate views of the Jewish people. This is a pivotable moment in the novel. This conversation gives David enough distance from his own culture to allow him to choose a Chinese wife and to move farther from the religion of his mother. Because he chooses not to become a leader of the Jews in his city, the Temple and the culture eventually fall into ruin. More than most novels, this one is a rare combination of attributes. It is entertaining, informative, thought provoking and good literature. I will certainly read more of Buck's work and urge others to read this novel.

I picked this book up a bit hesitantly. I'd read "The Good Earth" on my own initiative, and had heard of "Peony" from a friend. I read it, and must say that this book, though simply written, was one of the most chilling pieces of literature I've ever read. You find yourself truly wishing for everything to go right for the title character Peony, a Chinese handmaiden serving a Jewish family. A heartbreaking story, and I find myself agreeing with other reviewers when I say I wish the story could have turned out differently--not because the ending was weak, but because Buck so fully draws the reader into the story that you hope deperately for the main character to achieve her goal. A thoroughly engrossing read (I know this phrase has become cliched, but it does describe the book).

"Peony" is a subtle, quiet novel - an excellent example of Pearl Buck's elegant and dignified style. Based on true events, the novel chronicles the life of Peony, a bondmaid who was sold to a wealthy Chinese/Jewish family. "Peony" can be considered a work of historical fiction, as Ms. Buck's excellent research provides accurate and extremely interesting information on Jews in China.The story takes place over a century ago in K'aifeng, the home of the largest Jewish colony in China. At the time, Jews were rapidly assimilating into Chinese society and culture, and losing their Jewish identity. "Peony" tells the story of one particularly prominent Jewish family through the eyes of the ethnic Chinese bondmaid, and how the problem of assimilation effects each family member individually. The topic - Jewish identity in China - is fascinating and not commonly discussed. Ms. Buck's amazing ability to create depth of character is in strong evidence in "Peony," and all of the characters are extremely well developed and realistic. While the story incorporates a historic element, it also includes interesting subplots of unrequited love, familial strife, and the age-old Chinese (and Jewish) concept of filial duty and respect.This book is indicative of Pearl Buck's genius and gift for storytelling. Ms. Buck doesn't need to resort to hyperbole to get her point across - the words are carefully chosen and the story is beautifully constructed. Her writing style is gorgeous and evocative. The author's famous love for China and its many cultures is evident in her delicate prose - she treats the characters and the plot with utmost respect and historical accuracy. The beauty of China and the Chinese and Jewish cultures are done tremendous justice by this lovely book.

This was a book I bought almost four years ago when I had had to read the Good Earth for school, enjoyed it, and wanted to try something else by the author. Recently I wanted to read something and found it on my bookshelf. If I remember, it touched me even more so than the Good Earth. Peony's selfless love, which would probably be scorned by feminists, truly touched me. I wish the ending had been different; but it's not really that I wish a different ending as that I wish life wasn't sad. (read the book, you'll understand that comment) While in the beginning I thought the religous musings were a bit too heavy, it built the novel into what it was, which was much more than a love story (although as a love story I have yet to read a more sincere one) but the story of a people whose customs must eventually die off. I am so pleased to now be aware of an obscure people in China so many years ago. The historical angle fascinates me, but it is the story that I will never forget. I applaud Pearl S. Buck for her brilliance.(this is by a 17 year old girl who read the novel purely for pleasure)