Peony: A Novel of China Audiobook

" I never knew that Jews escaped persecution by relocating to China, but Pearl S. Buck tells their story, one of assimilation through kindness, that had me thoroughly engrossed. Peony, a bondmaid in a prominent Jewish household, was a fascinating character in how she demonstrated her love for David, her master. A thought-provoking book. "

" for a historical novel about tolerence, it doesn't have much of tolerence or hopes for the future of jewish people "

" Fascinating look at China's familial customs of the 1800's, when falling in love had little to do with marriage. "

" Written from the point of view of a Chinese servant girl in a wealthy family as she grows up. She and the family's son grow up together as equals and learn to love each other, but as they grow up, have to assume the role of master and servant, and marry according to their class. Especially powerful portrayal of how Peony copes with the compromises and sacrifices dictated by her birth. "

" Interesting look into life as a Chinese bond maid. Found her character a little exasperating, if not heartbreaking. Bordering on stereotyped characterization of Chinese and Jews. "

" I learned that Chinese people treated the Jewish people with kindness even though they were rejected elsewhere. "

" I had kind of a hard time getting into this book--which often happens with me. But it was well worth keeping on reading! "

" One of my faves by this author "

" I love all of Pearl Buck's stories set in Asia. I really liked the discussion of conflict between cultures, and whether it is better to become part of the culture where you live, or to hold yourself apart. It made a great book group discussion. "

" One of the first novels I read as a young girl. My mom got me hooked on Pearl S. Buck. "

" Love in a foreign culture. "

" Other than the Good Earth, this is my favorite Buck book. The story was moving and full of drama, even within the first 50 pages. The ending was really something. "

" Delightful story of Chinese servant in homes of Jews in China. Customs of both cultures interacting presented sympathetically. "

" A story about a successful exchange between too different culture, namely Chinese and American culture. "

" It was an interesting story "

" I love this book! Pearl Buck is one of my favorite authors. As with most of her novels, this book doesn't end the way that you may wish, but it's the right ending. "

" One of my favorite books. A story of sacrificial love. "

" Loved it when I read it at 13 years old and loved it just as much when I read it this year. Then I focussed on the love story. Now I focussed on the Jewish component of the story. "

" The writing, the characters, the plot development! loved, loved! "

" Fascinating look at China's familial customs of the 1800's, when falling in love had little to do with marriage. "

" I like to read about China and this had the story of Jews in China. I thought it was very interesting and a good story. "

" I've read this book many, many times since I was a child (most recently last year). It always makes me cry. I love the characters so much. My favorite Buck and one of my favorite books. "

" Nicely written, let's one see how the 'household help' felt about serving their westerners. An in-site which is rare. Tradition is so deep in this book. Language syntax was a bit unusual, had to re-read occasionally, but not enough to keep one from continuing on. "

" Life in the tiny Jewish community in Kaifeng China. An engrossing family story in the most rarefied setting. A fantastic read. "

" Love in a foreign culture. "

" I have enjoyed every book that Pearl Buck ever wrote. She captures the essence of the characters and transports you to the time and place. "

" I really loved this book. I read it years ago but will never forget the impression that it left on my life. I was going through a personal crisis at the time I read it and seemed to find the answers in that novel. I felt like a better person for having read it. "