
Peony
A Novel of China
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Narrated by:
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Kirsten Potter
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By:
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Pearl S. Buck
About this listen
Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid - an awkward role in which she is more a servant, but less a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family's only son. However, tradition forbids them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in this profound tale, based on true events in China over a century ago.
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Any additional comments?
Peony is the first book I have read by Pearl S. Buck and it will not be the last. I plan to now move to her most famous work The Good Earth. Peony tells the story of a Jewish family living in China around 1850 and weaves deftly personal and cultural conflicts with serviceable and comfortable prose. The plot has twists and resists a pat ending. The afterword provided the historical background and helpfully pointed out spots where Buck took literary license in the chronology of the Jewish diaspora into China.A good read
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Jews in China
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Peony
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A Fascinating Chapter in Jewish - Chinese History
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Excellent
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It’s dated
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What did you love best about Peony?
I really enoyed this book. The srory line was good, with interesting characters. I first thought the book was just a romantic tale between the upper and poorer classes of Imperial China, but it was more complex that that. I hadn't realised that there had been such a strong Jewish comunity in China at that time, so it was historically very interesting too.What did you like best about this story?
I enjoyed the way it was written, it seemed to flow well. The characters were all interesting and drew you in,What about Kirsten Potter’s performance did you like?
I thought it was well narrated.Any additional comments?
I would probably liten to this again sometime.Enjoyable Book
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Great story!
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Not what I expected
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Would you consider the audio edition of Peony to be better than the print version?
I'm not familiar with the print version but I found this audiobook to be excellent. The story was riveting. I had found the first chapter rather slow going, but once the story moved into the second and subsequent chapters I found myself hooked. The themes of loyalty, religiosity, power and love were interestingly interwoven in the story. It was very well read.What was one of the most memorable moments of Peony?
Perhaps the point where Leah killed herself. I never saw that coming and it was certainly a critical turning point.Which scene was your favorite?
The one that saw David and his father spending the night out on a boat for dinner with their friends.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes...but I think it is best heard in short sittings as there is much to ponder upon as the story unfolds.Any additional comments?
You've done a super job with this version !Excellent
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