Helpful Score: 3
Of course this book is hard to read for such hardships are always so perturbing, but this book is quite remarkable. The writing, storyline, and characters are all so superb that this book has stuck with me over a decade and I can read and re-read it a hundred times and it never gets old.
Helpful Score: 3
A timeless classic. A must read for anyone...from 10 years old to 100 years old1!! Meant to read at different times on one's life.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a classic that I read while in high school and just had to read it again recently. This particular book has several pages of photos that make it more interesting.
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating insight to the Chinese culture. Having traveled to China 20 times, I must say that this book is beautifully written and true to the history and people of China. It is one of my favorite books. I've read it three times over the years and each time it seems like a new adventure. If you haven't read it yet, do. If you have read it, read it again and you might find even more that you missed the first time. It is a great modern classic. It was written in 1931 and yet this story is still considered must reading for students. It is a story that warms your heart and enlightens your mind and is as fresh today and it was when it was first published. Consider this book to be a literary gift.
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting read by a great writer. As is usually the case, this novel is better than the film version, which starred Katherine Hepburn. I'm not criticizing Hepburn's acting abilities; it's just that I think they made a big mistake by 'Americanizing' the main female character, O-lan. We must remember that the novel is set in China of the 1920's, a time when Pearl Buck was also living there. At that time, Chinese women had few rights of their own, and though not to the extent depicted in the film, the novel does depict O-lan as a strong female character.
THE GOOD EARTH is an enjoyable, well written read, and it gives the reader great insight into rural and political China at a time when the last emperor reigned. It's the story of a young farmer and his new wife and their life together into old age.
Pearl Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize. Thoughout her life, she was a human rights activist in many arenas, including campaigns for African American civil rights. She founded 'Welcome House' to find homes for mixed-race children fathered by servicemen in Asia and established the 'Pearl S. Buck Foundation' to provide foster care for Asian-American children that remained unadopted by American families.
THE GOOD EARTH is an enjoyable, well written read, and it gives the reader great insight into rural and political China at a time when the last emperor reigned. It's the story of a young farmer and his new wife and their life together into old age.
Pearl Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize. Thoughout her life, she was a human rights activist in many arenas, including campaigns for African American civil rights. She founded 'Welcome House' to find homes for mixed-race children fathered by servicemen in Asia and established the 'Pearl S. Buck Foundation' to provide foster care for Asian-American children that remained unadopted by American families.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is humbling and just incredible!!! If you have children you should read this!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is excellent! It is one of my all time favorites and left me in awe upon finishing. "A poignant tale about the life and labors of a chinese farmer during the sweeping reign of the country's last emperor" - from back cover
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book. Brought to light a whole lot of "Big Questions."
Helpful Score: 1
An amazing story of pre-revolutionary China told by Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winning author, Pearl S. Buck.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Very enjoyable read. Timeless topics that are still relevant today. A true classic.
Helpful Score: 1
The Good Earth is one of the best novels I have ever read. Even though it was written during the early part of the 20th century (around 1930, I think) it still applies today. Pearl S. Buck's writing style is still captivating today. This is truly a classic! As the story develops you can't help but find yourself evaluating your own life and values. It's refreshing to read a novel that makes you examine your own priorities in life. I recommend this book to everyone!
Buck's classic Nobel Prize-winning novel of a peasant in China, struggling with issues of class and issues of love. Simply written but emotionally powerful and accurate.
In The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck present a graphic view of the China that was-when the last emperor reigned, and the vat political and social upheavals of the twentieth century were but distant rumblings for the ordinary people. Tis moving epic story of the honest farmer Wang Lung and his selfless wife O-lan is must reading for those who would fully appreciate the sweeping changes that have occurred in the lives of the Chinese people during this century.
One of the great modern classics.
If you need the extra help writing a paper, (or participating in class discussion), this copy would be very helpful, it has explanatory notes and an overview of key themes. If this book isn't still on required reading lists, it should be.
This is the saga of Chinese farmer Wang Lung's life on the land in northern China. From desperate peasant to renowned landowner, Wang Lung's fortunes are tied directly to the earth he tills. This is no mere physical connection, Wang Lung's spirit is tied to the land too. Whenever he finds himself despairing, tired of life, or travelling down the wrong path, the land renews him, and reinvigorates his spirit.
Buck writes about a rural Chinese community with remarkable sympathy. She explains the worldview of an early-twentieth century Chinese farmer well, particularly to a largely unknowing English-speaking audience. It is a great classic, and interesting and worthwhile read.
Buck writes about a rural Chinese community with remarkable sympathy. She explains the worldview of an early-twentieth century Chinese farmer well, particularly to a largely unknowing English-speaking audience. It is a great classic, and interesting and worthwhile read.
