The Living Reed

There are many different ways to review the writings of any kind.Here we have an old novel written by a woman who grew up in China and understood the cultural differences. It is by no means the most accurate description of Korean history or the way people lived of her time. However, I ended up admiring her attempt to know better and in the end to have understood the people and the way of their living and struggle. Nobody can understand the cultural differences and the values of the society unless we live on both sides of the world. That was what she did and used it for her writing. It was a good writing as a novel and described exactly the way of living of the Korean people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unbelievable? That is because you have no idea of the real core of different cultures.For example, my family maintains 1,000 years of written history of family geneology of my clan.It shows how we died during the struggle and how we maintain our family by a written code of conduct based on Humanism. That is the reason why Korean are nationalistic.That was accurately described in her writing.

As all of Pearl Buck's novels, this book is wonderfully written. She reveals such understanding of the people and history of Asia. The truly historical setting of this book makes it especially facinating.

It's a must. Buck, one of my favorite authors, portrays Korean culture decades ago and historical facts, such as the Japanese invasion, all through the eyes of a family, and unforgettable one.I've never felt close to or understood Asian culture, but this book has brought me closer to it, and I'm grateful for that. Knowledge really is power. Every culture has great aspects.

"The Living Reed" is an epic novel that will take you on an emotional journey. Buck's language paints a colorful picture in your mind that you will not soon forget. Her characters are lovable and honorable. Buck brings a segment of history to the public that, sadly, is often forgotten or overlooked. I highly recommend this book if you are a lover of historical fiction. She makes it possible to understand the Korean culture and to get 'inside' a Korean's mind. As a Korean living in the U.S., I have gained a sense of Korean nationalism, honor and respect that I never knew I had within me.