This is a novel based on the life of Pearl Buck when she lived in China. It's told from the point of view of a Chinese girl who becomes her best friend. It was interesting from the standpoint that I knew nothing about Pearl Buck's life. I always like learning more about people. Of course, it's fiction, so it is not completely true, but after checking a few facts myself, the book seems to be fairly accurate in most ways.
The last quarter or so of the book takes place during Mao's regime, when Pearl no longer lived in China, so I felt as though the book deviated from it's purpose a little bit.
I learned that Anchee Min grew up in China, and was required to denounce Pearl Buck as a young teen. She had no idea who Pearl Buck was at the time. After moving to America, Min read The Good Earth and was amazed at the accuracy with which Pearl Buck wrote of the Chinese people. She later decided to write this book.
The writing is a little inconsistent, and I think that is probably because English is not Anchee Min's first language. When my pile of books diminishes some, I think I will look into reading Red Azalea, Min's own biography.
I love the artwork on the front cover.
Great review! I've always been intrigued with the writing of Pearl Buck. Several years ago, I listened to The Good Earth as an audiobook. I worked on a quilt top while listening. Thoroughly enjoyable! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletePearl S. Buck is my favorite author. I own a lot of her books in hardback and read and reread them all the time...
ReplyDeleteI will have to see if I can find this book. We have no library, so I will have to check online...