The Good Earth
by Pearl Buck
Award: Nobel Prize Winner 1932, Pulitzer Winner 1932
Nomination: Oprah Book Club 2004
Dates Read: April 25, 2009 & October 12, 2017
I am always fascinated by Pearl Buck, having lived an incredible life for her time and becoming an accomplished writer in the process. She grew up in China, the daughter of American missionaries, and went on to become the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Get it, girl!
The Good Earth is the story of the changing fortunes of Wang Lung, a peasant farmer who marries O-Lan, the slave of the local wealthy Hwang family, who's wealth is waning due to laziness and addiction. Wang Lung and O-Lan work tirelessly, slowly acquiring land from the Hwang's piece-by piece over the years. O-Lan births three sons and three daughters, giving birth and joining her husband back in the fields the very same day, never complaining.
For a brief time during intense famine, the family escapes to the city for work, sustaining themselves on government provided meals and paltry earnings. Due to a riot, Wang Lung corners the master of a house, who offers him all his wealth in exchange for his life, providing Wang Lung the opportunity to return his family to their farm. Over time, Wang Lung becomes more prosperous, acquiring the remaining Hwang land and allowing him to bring his concubine, Lotus, to live at his house. O-Lan eventually dies and Wang Lung, only after her passing, finally appreciates her and all she had sacrificed for her family.
As a female, I found the tortured character of O-Lan the most riveting as she toils ceaselessly and bravely births children on her own, even killing one daughter to prevent her suffering during famine. The strength of this nearly silent character is tremendous and I know for a fact I could never bear the burdens she endured with such stoicism and bravery. She will forever be imprinted in my mind.
Dates Read: April 25, 2009 & October 12, 2017
I am always fascinated by Pearl Buck, having lived an incredible life for her time and becoming an accomplished writer in the process. She grew up in China, the daughter of American missionaries, and went on to become the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Get it, girl!
The Good Earth is the story of the changing fortunes of Wang Lung, a peasant farmer who marries O-Lan, the slave of the local wealthy Hwang family, who's wealth is waning due to laziness and addiction. Wang Lung and O-Lan work tirelessly, slowly acquiring land from the Hwang's piece-by piece over the years. O-Lan births three sons and three daughters, giving birth and joining her husband back in the fields the very same day, never complaining.
For a brief time during intense famine, the family escapes to the city for work, sustaining themselves on government provided meals and paltry earnings. Due to a riot, Wang Lung corners the master of a house, who offers him all his wealth in exchange for his life, providing Wang Lung the opportunity to return his family to their farm. Over time, Wang Lung becomes more prosperous, acquiring the remaining Hwang land and allowing him to bring his concubine, Lotus, to live at his house. O-Lan eventually dies and Wang Lung, only after her passing, finally appreciates her and all she had sacrificed for her family.
As a female, I found the tortured character of O-Lan the most riveting as she toils ceaselessly and bravely births children on her own, even killing one daughter to prevent her suffering during famine. The strength of this nearly silent character is tremendous and I know for a fact I could never bear the burdens she endured with such stoicism and bravery. She will forever be imprinted in my mind.
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