“I just finished reading this book. It is an interesting insight into China in the pre-revolution. Pearl Buck was a missionary in China. This really shows the universal human condition.”
“I read this book when I was in middle school, I was too young to appreciate it. I have seen nothing but good things said about it and feel that I should give it another chance now that I am older.”
“I wish I could write a story this complex and beautiful. I love it. For a further look into China's past I'd suggest Wild Swans. I'm surprised there are not more discussion about this book. So lets get one started. My question is what did you love about this book. I loved the symbolism of O-Lan's pearls. You really knew her husband had turned evil when he took them from her for the little prostitute he had on the side. But I was surprised by how much I still liked him, even till the books end. ”
“I feel absolutely no need to submit my qualifications, as either writer or reader, before expressing my immense satisfaction in reading this book. I actually went to an appointment with a copy of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and my doctor wholeheartedly recommended "The Good Earth." I'm glad she did. At moments I hated Wang Lung, but then I would suddenly love him again as he redeemed himself. I worried for the family and mourned when O-lan, the character I felt was the most powerful, finally died. The symbolism (the train or the pamphlets that illustrated a crucified Christ and frightened Wang Lung) which hinted of the influence of western culture upon the east was subtle enough to be a graceful component while still successfully making a valid and important contribution to the overall story. I especially love the continuous reference to the earth and it's relevance, or lack thereof, to the characters within the story. The earth itself seems to be a character in its own right that forms the story and gives us that constant point of reference as the symbol and mainstay of the entire book.”
“a well written book. only a writer can understand, what skill it takes to weave a story like this. bravo book. i had a really bad misconception that women cant write well. the myth was broken after this book.”
“i read the book many years ago and i read it again recently..still so alive, moving and enchanting..”
“There are so many scenes from this book that will stay with me for life! Great book.”
“This book always shows up on those lists of classic books, but I never really felt the need to read it. Then I saw an old copy at my mom's house and picked it up. It is such a beautifully written story! I just loved it. Buck's writing style is simple but descriptive. The story takes us through the cycles of birth and death, feast and famine, poverty and riches. It's just amazing, we see all of the beauty and horror of the human condition in one man & his family. Well worth the read.”
“do you like this book?”
“Another memorable high school read that stays in my mind. Should be on my list of rereads....now that I am grown up.”
