A review by jedore
Peony by Pearl S. Buck

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Would he keep himself separate, dedicated to a faith that made him solitary among whatever people he lived, or would he pour the stream of his life into the rich ocean of all human life about him?"

Many of my favorite books are ones with a story that pulls you in and holds you firmly in its grip while teaching you important stuff. “Peony” did both of these things.

This book is historical fiction, romance, and religious philosophy all wrapped into one beautiful package.

It’s the story about a prominent Jewish family living in China in the 1800s, and specifically about the love that one of their bondmaids has for the son she was bonded with. You learn a lot about the Chinese and Jewish cultures and people living during this time. In fact, it’s the first book with an explanation of the Jewish plight that makes total sense to me.

It’s not a typical romance, but it’s an authentic one given the cultures and norms of the time period coupled with real love. You’ll need at least one box of tissues!

I couldn’t put the book down and when I was done, I missed Peony. She’s an amazing character that will live with me forever.

My only complaint is the major shift in the writing style toward the end of the book. It’s almost as though Pearl realized (or was told) that the book was going to be too long if she kept up with the earlier depth and detail. With this shift, the story became more summarial with Pearl glossing over major happenings and many years very quickly without the emotional depth that made the rest of the book so amazing.

Nevertheless, Peony made my all-time favorites list and I highly recommend it to historical fiction buffs, especially those who love being pulled into an emotional story!
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