The Good Earth, a historical (fiction) tale by Pearl S. Buck, follows the life of Wang Lung, a dedicated Chinese farmer of little means. Wang Lung's father, an elderly man, approaches the Hwang House, a powerful, landed family, and beseeches them to sell him a bride for his son. In return he receives O-lan, a woman whose strength and determination seem to possess no boundaries. Throughout famine and flood, the couple struggles on in a world filled with adversity; raising a family on the land that they esteem above all else.
I enjoyed The Good Earth even more than I had anticipated and would give it a 4/5 rating. Buck presents a very realistic view into rural Chinese culture. I particularly found their outlooks on women and family fascinating; especially in stark contrast to the values of modern day Americans. It possessed none of the romantic tone that many fictional books choose to incorporate but instead displayed both the flaws and strengths of mortal man. Perhaps because of this, the reader is drawn even closer to characters. They do not appear to be fictitious men and women in a storybook but real individuals struggling to make something of their lives. The reader feels their pain, triumph, pride, and fear as though it is his own. For what man hasn't felt the shame of betrayal or the pride in owning something that is truly his own? However, Buck's writing also has its flaws. Often, I found that the plot was highly predictable and seemed to plod on rather than take the reader on a journey. All in all though, reading The Good Earth was a highly satisfying experience, and I would read it again if presented with the choice.
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