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  • Peony

  • A Novel of China
  • Written by: Pearl S. Buck
  • Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
  • Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)

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Peony

Written by: Pearl S. Buck
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
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Publisher's Summary

Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid - an awkward role in which she is more a servant, but less a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family's only son. However, tradition forbids them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in this profound tale, based on true events in China over a century ago.

©1948 Pearl S Buck (P)2011 Oasis

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lazy storyline

Read People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks instead. Seriously.

I picked this up because I love Historical Fiction, or fictionalized history. I learned a bit, but not as much as I hoped. The author 'others' Jews and victim blames them for persecution. Then proceeds to underestimate their obligation to duty. Apparently being able to eat what you want and have concubines matters more to Jews than maintaining their culture. While this book has some interesting historical facts, the climax is senseless and makes no sense. And I need to vent about it....



*Spoiler*




Why would Leah decide to murder/assault her soon to be husband over a minor disagreement? Back in those days women just had to shut up when someone, (especially the son of a wealthy merchant they were betrothed to), insulted their no good, lazy brother. (David was accurate in his statement and if Leah was true to her character and culture, she would of seem him as wise and stayed humble.) She has nothing to gain by this, NOTHING! And everything to lose.

The storyline has her compelled to go to David, called by God, to confess her love. David feels God has brought Leah to him - then suddenly they quarrel about ridiculous nonsense and she tries to cut his head off??? Why isn't anyone else talking about this craziness in the reviews?

David's family is wealthy. A marriage has been arranged long ago between David & Leah. Leah marrying him draws him into being the Rabbi's heir, their marriage is the only way for the synagogue to flourish in the future! By this reckless action she destroys her family, her community and herself. Leah up until this point, is a selfless, dutiful daughter and was in total love with David, dedicated to her calling as a Jewish woman to propogate the persecuted people and as Rabbi's daughter to do what's necessary for the greater good of the Jewish community!

This story line makes no sense.

Even worse, after assaulting him with the sword; (a sword responsible for slaying Jews in foreign lands, a sword she kissed in her David's hands just a few days ago) instead of checking to see if she killed him or just harmed him, she kills herself. Which is against Jewish law, so again, super unbelievable. It's like the author became irritated with the storyline and character of Leah they created and instead of starting fresh, this was the solution.

Sloppy storytelling. Unless this anti-Semitic Sword cursed her and made her destroy the Jews in this land...🙄

This novel should of been called 'Bondmaid Manifests her Future'. It is such a ridiculously transparent tale of a maids desires. The characters are very 2D.

I couldn't even finish reading it. Up until this point it read like a bad romance novel, literally not much better than Twilight or 50 Shades. I can't imagine it will improve.

I want my credit back..

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