Good Earth, The
Buck, Pearl SThe classic story of Wang Lung and his wife O-Lan. This remarkable novel depicts the suffering and hardship of poverty and the struggle to achieve prosperity, as well as the strictures of tradition that shaped and controlled daily life in rural pre-revolutionary China. Pulitzer Prize winner. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
A wonderful read. Full on discussion. Some members decided to buy a copy to have on the book shelf. Te Pahu001We loved the book. It's magnificent in its sweep and humanity. Wellington 050A wonderful classic history of China. Easy to read and a great work of art from 1930's. Masterton 005A very lively discussion on this book - without exception we all agreed this was excellent. Wellington 134Deservedly a classic that holds up well from 1930's. Universal themes, very well written with 'real' characters. We had a great wide-ranging discussion. Lower Hutt 006Great book which generated lots of discussion. It provided a window to another world, another time, and intriguing diverse human relations. Christchurch 124 We all loved this book. Pearl Buck's writing style captured the suffering and struggle in the countryside of pre-revolutionary China brilliantly. For many in contemporary China, the hardship and poverty hasn't changed. Wellington 066 All members enjoyed the story very much. All but three had read it years ago. Our discussion was wide ranging, but our collective knowledge of China was shared and commented on. We discussed the importance to Wang Lung of the "good earth". Christchurch 078 An interesting insight into life in pre-Revolution China. Although written over 80 years ago, it is a timeless piece and could be set in any patriarchal rural society. The characters were not very sympathetic, but complex and interesting. The conditions of life portrayed were brutal - childbirth, begging etc. Overall it was enjoyed by the group, and was a healthy discussion piece. Wellington 153 Great discussion - we all agreed we'd not do well as female partners in pre-revolution China! Takaka 003 Very easy to read - some of us had read it years before. Very good insights into the value of land for the earlier Chinese, and shocking to see the way women were treated as little better than "farm animals". In spite of O-lan's exceptional care of Wang Lung, she was still regarded as little better than a beast of burden....Dunedin 066 Loved it - every one of us ! Good old classic! Taupo 003 Most of us had read this book in our "younger days", and we discussed how our understanding of the issues had changed. We discussed the issue of land also, and how all cultures have a basic understanding of our dependence on the land, and the need to respect it. Feilding 002 This book followed a classic storyline ie/ a poor man wanting wealth, who becomes rich and unhappy, and gains a new appreciation for his humble beginnings. It was a very well written and compelling read. An excellent book enjoyed by all in our group. Tauranga 034
Pages
357
357
Year
1931
1931
Reviews
08-12-2022
Overall, we enjoyed this read and felt the author kept us involved and wanting to keep reading to hear more about the history of that time and the plight of Wang Lung and his long suffering wife O-Lan. Discussed the fact that it was written in the 1930s and the issues narrated in the book are very poignant even today.
22-04-2022
Our first time to award this, the highest score. Although from 1932, it is informative, beautifully written, amazing, and one of our best ever.
19-02-2020
We unanimously agreed it was a compelling book - an easy to read, fascinating account of a China of not so long ago.
19-02-2020
Only a few of us read the book. Those that did thought it was very good and loved the relationship Wang had with the land. Cruel times to reflect on in light of the way China treats its people now.
19-02-2020
We enjoyed the book, lots of learning in there. A timeless novel, and we were very pleased to read (or reread) it.
19-02-2020
Many had read this decades ago. It was good to revisit it and to appreciate the evocative story of Chinese life pre revolution. Useful exploration of family obligations and negotiating your life within local mores.
19-02-2020
Great discussion. Really enjoyed by quite a few in our group. Thanks!
19-02-2020
A great iconic book. Has never dated and was enjoyed by everybody. We recommend as a must read.
19-02-2020
Much loved, educational, charming and well-written.
24-10-2018
We all enjoyed this book (almost a first!). Was hard to believe that it was written in the 1930s - none of us had read it previously. The story line is similar to today (although not the hardship) but the work hard, build up assets and then the next (or next) generation don't keep it. Lots of discussion and also about trips that a couple of our ladies had had to China (both quite different so that was interesting as well). Great book...and easy to read.