A review by octygon
Peony by Pearl S. Buck

emotional informative sad slow-paced

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

3.25

Interesting book, but sad in many ways.  It was hard to like it too much as the characters were not always appealing.  The main character, Peony, is incredibly manipulative.  Also the tone of the author shows the age of the book--I felt there was a lot of stereotypical language in Buck's depiction of the Jewish characters, which is harring in today's times.  It was very interesting to learn about the Jewish population who had lived in China for so long--something I had never heard about before.  The book implies that the assimilation of the Jews into Chinese society, with the loss of their customs and their religion was inevitable.  From the tone of the book, I get the feeling Buck wasn't sure whether she thought this a good thing or tragic one.