Peony

By Pearl S. Buck,

Book cover of Peony: A Novel of China

Book description

Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid -- an awkward role in which she is more than a servant, but less than a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family's only son. However, tradition forbids…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Peony as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I really enjoy moving through history in the context of the lives of women. Leap forward several centuries from the Ming Dynasty and women in China are still limited by tradition and binding their feet. Peony loves, and her love is returned by David ben Ezra, the son of a wealthy Jewish merchant. But Peony is a bondswoman, and while David struggles with the decision to marry his mother’s Jewish choice of bride or the beautiful Kueilan, she must observe from afar.

I loved how this book vividly illustrated, through the course of Peony’s life, how the blending and integration…

Want books like Peony?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Peony.

Browse books like Peony

Book cover of Bernardine's Shanghai Salon: The Story of the Doyenne of Old China
Book cover of Lady Tan's Circle of Women
Book cover of Pearl Buck in China: Journey to the Good Earth

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in China, Jewish history, and presidential biography?

China 646 books
Jewish History 481 books