Reviews

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

allison_reader's review against another edition

3.0

One of the only books I ever enjoyed that I was required to read in High School.

newinca's review against another edition

informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

intothemystic's review against another edition

5.0

Highly recommend. This is my third or fourth re-read of The Good Earth, and this time I'm listening to the audiobook. Writing in detail about the plot of this book, I believe, would be considered spoilers, so I will simply say that the evocative narrative spun by Pearl S. Buck is timeless, and as relevant today as it was when it was written nearly 100 years ago (1930). That is to say, human nature does not fundamentally change over the centuries. Please consider reading this lovely book.

Wow, I completely forgot the gut punch of the last sentence of the book. Damn.

Read-What-I-Own Challenge book #3 of 20.

jeloabdel's review against another edition

4.0

الأرض الطيبة، لكن أحب أن أسميها الحياة الطيبة هذا مادار في خالدي عند إتمامها تلك الحياة التي يبحث عنها الجميع. في البداية عاشها بطل الرواية ببساطته وحتى مع سذاجته وبرضاه بما لديه لكن حينما بدأ يفكر في نفسه ناسيا كل من حوله فقد تلك الحياة الطيبة وأصبح يركض نحو التملك والمال ناسيا كل من كان حوله خصوصا زوجته المخلصة التي كرست كل حياتها وجهدها لخدمته وأبيه، هكذا هو الإنسان حينما يطمع يصبح أعمى لا يرى إلا سوادا مع أن البياض يشع من حوله.

mgoorchenko's review against another edition

5.0

As depressing as this book is [it occurred to me that this is essentially Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” in novel format], it is masterfully written and probably in my top five favorites ever now. I’m definitely interested in reading the sequels and learning more about this author. Also...fight the power. 🤦🏻‍♀️😜

yishaqfu's review against another edition

dark informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

anna_pardo's review against another edition

dark informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Quin viatge aquest llibre!
Malgrat un protagonista al que he detestat, escenes i fets duríssims, el maltracte i les vexacions contínues cap a les dones, la misèria i la cruesa, m'ha agradat moltíssim. Una gran porta a la cultura tradicional xinesa!

robertwhelan's review against another edition

5.0

A poignant tale of a man and his family as they become wealthy and successful, 'The Good Earth' explores the large themes of what it means to be human.

tlcollier1's review against another edition

5.0

This book should be required reading for every high school student. A beautiful story of a father giving up everything and working tirelessly to build a future for his family.

stacy_wilson's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent use of voice and world-building; A masterfully woven story.