This book truly exemplifies the true meaning of christmas, to love one another. When Rob, the 15 year old boy of a modest farm family, overhears his parents talking, he comes to realize the love his father has for him and the love he also holds for his father. Not having the money to purchase a gift that he feels expresses this love, he chooses to surprise his father by doing the morning milking and chores before the usual 4AM. He sneaks out to the barn and his heart bursts with love as he waits for his father to discover the surprise. The illustrations are beautiful, dark and dusky like the time of day before surnrise, and the clouds in the sky take the shape of the Holy Family on the first Christmas. A valuable lesson for all. The gift of love is the most precious gift of all.

I was attracted to this book in the library by the title. Not knowing what to expect I began reading it to my children. You may want to read it first before reading it to your children as I was a little startled by the frankness of the author regarding the shunning of Ameraisain children in their native culture. It is a very touching story of a Korean/ American boy who is abandoned by his mother because she is unable to raise him any more. It is the story of his fending for himself and the other boys he meets. A great gift for anyone adopting a child from another country.

Gao (Southern Univ., New Orleans) does not cite Kang Liao's "Pearl S. Buck: A Cultural Bridge across the Pacific" but both scholars provide contemporary Chinese perspective on the Nobel Prize-winning writer. Gao praises the female portraits in five of Buck's novels: the aristocratic women of East Wind: West Wind and Pavilion of Women, the servant women in Peony, and the peasant women in The Mother and Buck's most famous book, The Good Earth. Especially valuable are Gao's comments on those aspects of Chinese culture that shaped Buck's characterizations. For example, Confucius's low opinion of women had a lasting impact on females' social position, but the nation's increasing contact with the West in the modern era challenged many taditional gender roles. At the end of this slim volume, Gao concludes that "with their different degrees of individuality and typicality, Buck's women characters, taken together, provide the reader with a realistic picture of Chinese women." And, regardless of their rank, "all of Buck's women characters use their limited power to achieve what they deserve." J.W. Hall, University of Mississippi

I thought this novel was a wonderful introduction to the mindset of the Chinese people, both those living in China, and those living in America, towards the new government. It was an enlightening story because as an American, we view it simply as a government as one that took away everyone's freedoms, which it did. Yet, of course, it's not that simple. The story is about that deeply-rooted devotion to one's mother country, no matter what changes it goes through. It also reveals what led to the change of government, and what problems arised and what new changes occurred afterward. Through Madame Liang, representing the older revolutionary generation, the story showed how the revolution failed, and she saw how certain mistakes in history were made. Through her daughters, it showed the hope in which the younger generation had for the new China, and their attempts to restore a strong nation within the new framework. Also revealed was the the repression of emotions, through Grace, the eldest daughter, her hopeless lusting after Liu Peng, yet knowing that his mind was narrow and brainwashed in the Communist school of thought. Of course, the repression of individual thought was evident with John Sung, the scientist who refused to create weapons to be used against Americans. The stories surrounding Mercy and Joy, Madame Liang's two other daughters, was interesting in that they both struggled with their loyalties to China, but love, in Joy's case, kept her in America, while experience in the new China, forced Mercy to escape. There were a lot of interesting themes throughout the story, the theme of love in light of this new way of life, the theme of pride in one's own race and country. The style in which the story was told was very different from that of "The Good Earth." Here it was a much more fast-moving narrative, and a great modern story.

I couldn't put this book down, but there's just one thing that bothered me, and that was the ending, which seemed so abrupt. All of a sudden certain events happened which bluntly put the entire story to an end. Certainly these events were convincing, yet it still left me completely shocked and almost disappointed once the novel was finished. That's the only reason why I gave it four stars.

Pearl Buck did a masterful job of exploring the consequences of the Chinese communist revolution. Each of Madame Liang's daughters, Grace, Mercy, and Joy, come to terms with it in their own way. The essence of the book, however, is the realization that, whether a person is attracted to communism or repelled by it, his actions are usually dictated by his own personal interest. In that sense, the book is a satiric ridicule of the communist ideal.

I have read more than a dozen novels by the extraordinary Pearl S. Buck, and this is one of my all time favorites. Buck's lucid writing, and deep understanding of complex cultural issues makes this a gem. Set against the back-drop of the Chinese cultural Revolution, THE THREE DAUGHTERS OF MADAME LIANG charts the deeply personal journey and loss of one Chinese family. There is a sophistication to Buck's writing that is not always immediately apparent, but once you become used to her voice, the deceptively simple prose gives way to deeply moving insights. This is a glowing, powerful novel about a family and a country at a crossroads. Don't miss it!

This was the first Pearl Buck book I ever read. I still re-read it with a lot of enjoyment.

The language Pearl Buck uses is clever; in the Good Earth she keeps the language simple, to catch the thought patterns of the peasant farmers. In Peony, she tries to capture the formal interactions between masters and servants, between men and women both Chinese and of foreign descent. She succeeds brilliantly in making the speech patterns of each character suit their role.

The story is wide-ranging, from inside the walls of a Chinese-Jewish household with its extended family and servants, all the way to the Manchu court of the Western Empress Tzu Hsi. The story of the Jews in China is well-told and interesting.

And of course Pearl Buck is first and foremost a wonderful story teller. If you like Amy Tan, you are sure to enjoy this book too.

I picked this book up a bit hesitantly. I'd read "The Good Earth" on my own initiative, and had heard of "Peony" from a friend. I read it, and must say that this book, though simply written, was one of the most chilling pieces of literature I've ever read. You find yourself truly wishing for everything to go right for the title character Peony, a Chinese handmaiden serving a Jewish family. A heartbreaking story, and I find myself agreeing with other reviewers when I say I wish the story could have turned out differently--not because the ending was weak, but because Buck so fully draws the reader into the story that you hope deperately for the main character to achieve her goal. A thoroughly engrossing read (I know this phrase has become cliched, but it does describe the book).

I'm a rough and ready young man who has travelled around asia, currently i work on a building site in Devon UK and i am also studying furniture design in Cornwall. I read Peony when i was working on the new airport in Hong Kong (Chep Lap Kok)during its construction in 97. I found this book to be real gem, it has an amazing story which cunjured up the most beautiful and vivid pictures i have ever experienced from a book.

If you like beautiful things then read this book.

This book, although entitled, "Pearl S. Buck: A Cultural Biography," only skims over her life in the barest manner. There is very little of her life in this tiresome book. She was a remarkable woman with much talent; the author takes great license in criticizing her work. I wanted to learn about her - not what the author thinks of her writing. If I hadn't been such a fan of hers, I would have tossed this book after the first hundred pages.

Peter Conn's sweeping biography of Pearl Buck is as fascinating and provocative as Ms. Buck herself. I have been an admirer of Buck's writing for years, however I never knew the true depth of her character and achievements until I read Conn's book. Not only was the Nobel Prize winner an excellent writer and champion of Chinese causes, but she was a staunch supporter of civil and women's rights, a tireless fundraiser, and an advocate for inter-racial/international adoption. She was a fearless and often controversial speaker on behalf of the under-represented and oppressed, and made a great impact on public opinion towards racial and gender equality. Conn covers all of these diverse aspects of Pearl Buck beautifully. His book is very well researched, well organized, and well written. He presents all sides of his subject - good and bad - in an unflinching and intelligent manner. He discusses the circumstances under which Buck wrote her greatest books, her first 40 years in China, and her experiences as a prominent global literary figure. I couldn't put the book down - it was wonderful to discover that the writer whose books I have cherished for so many years had lead such a compelling and multi-faceted life. There is much more to Pearl Buck than even her impressive body of literary work suggests - and Peter Conn has done a tremendous job of revealing the many sides of this remarkable woman.

I think that Peter Conn's book is an incredible achievement. It is apparent that he has taken great pains to sort through a massive quantity of letters, published writings, and FBI files about the writer and humanitarian Pearl Buck.

Thankfully, this is NOT the sort of dirty-laundry biography, so popular now, which serves only to tear down its subject. Conn is factual and honest to the memory of a great woman, who accomplished much in her lifetime.

The book follows Pearl Buck from her missionary origin through her unexpected literary success, into her high-profile career as a spokesperson for Chinese/Eastern issues and the founding of the Welcome House (an adoption agency) and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

This biography inspired me to read through more Buck's novels. She was so prolific! I strongly recommend _Good Earth_ and _Sons_, as well as _Kinfolk_, and especially _The Mother_.

Conn's biography points out the factors that have led to her omission from the literary canon. Primarily, she was writing about the experience of women during a time when women's issues were dismissed as frivolous and un-literary. Also, she worked at such a great pace, that her writing is uneven, and not all of it of the great quality that earned her the Nobel prize.

I think that Peter Conn's book will remain a splendid resource about Pearl S. Buck for years to come! Good reading!

This was the first classical Chinese novel I ever completed, having previously given up on trying to read 'Romance of Three Kingdoms'. I prefer this novel to 'Scholars'.

Unlike some other translations, Pearl Buck tries to refer to characters with just a single name. This is an issue, as Chinese novels sometimes refer to the same character by several different names, making it much harder to follow the plot.

I remember a story being told that a father introduced this novel to his son before other classical stories not because it is the 'best' Chinese novel, but because he knew his son would read 'All Men are Brothers' eventually anyway and he wanted to guide his son through its more contentious passages!

The stories contained within 'All Men are Brothers' are enthralling, and provided an insight into a life and culture which no longer - or perhaps ever - exists, but still has echoes in Chinese society (and movies!) today. One warning, the 'prologue' describing the release of the spirits is one of the more confusing and perhaps boring chapters of the book. The rest of the book is much less confusing.

Oh, I did play the computer game mentioned by another reviewer, but only after I read the book!

Nobel Prize winner, West Virgina born, Pearl S. Buck is primarily known for her novels on her childhood and early life in China. However, her 1933 translation of the Chinese epic story of a band of patriots in China of latter part of the Sung Dynasty, struggling to help the emporer rid himself of the despotic Prime Minister, became popular again with release in 1990 of the Japanese developed software game--Bandit Kings of Ancient China by KOEI Corporation.

The epic story took place about 100 years prior to time of Robin Hood. But the story contains many parallels to the story Robin Hood. Just as Robin and his merry band hid in the woods of Nottingham and, in the name of Richard III against the usurping King John, robbed the rich to help the poor, so too did the bandit kngs live as outlaws from the authorities in the "water margins" (marshes) of Sung Dynasty China coming out only to harass the prime minister's troops and attempt to solicit followers to overthrow the corrupt prime minister in the name of the emporer.

The two volume set is a splendid read and helps the reader understand more about the Chinese government and culture in the eleventh century.

This is astory about family, hardship, and the beauty/horror of China. It is moving, beautiful, and easy to read. Enjoy!!

i've only read the first book of the trilogy..and i find it very interesting and true. because i am asian and this is the first time and first book that i've seen written by a non asian person who describe it so well and so exact (not to be rude to the other author, but some of them does not really really understand our culture and some of their writings are completly wrong) i am searching for the second and the third which i am hoping to read it ASAP..and i know that i would like it

Pearl Buck sensitively bridges the gap between the US and Asia as she explains her life's experience living in China during the Communist Revolution where the ideas for her books were born. An incredible book for women ! Pearl is like a pillar of strenghth. As a Woman, mother, and Christian; she finds hope and faith and compassion in times of dispair. Her reports and biography are intellectually satisfying. A must read...perfect snowy day book.

Put away your history texts and listen to a first-hand account of worldwide drama unfolding at the most interesting period of this century. A most engrossing and enlightening tale.

I recently read the book, The Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck. It was really interesting, and educational. It introduced my class into a whole different world of 19th century China. It went through the life of a Chinese farmer named Wang-Lung. The book shows his hardships, and prosperity as he tries to make a good life for his family. He goes from a poor farmer, to a rich, respected man. I felt the book was interesting. It was lagging at times, and sometimes was hard to focus on. But it proved to be an good chance to look at the life of the Chinese people. I learned a lot about their culture. I was introduced to the ideas of concubines, foot binding, and infanticide. Some of the topics the books touched on were hard to swallow, such as infanticide. It was hard to hear about how naturally it happened in their society. Foot binding was also hard to understand. Their culture is so different then ours, and I enjoyed learning about. My favorite a part of the book was after O-lan, Wang-Lung's first wife, died. This caused him to realize how important he was to her. He had forgotten how much he needed her in everything from, raising his family to tending his land. She was a huge part of his life and as he got richer he forgot that. Losing her caused him to take a serious look at all that this woman had done for him. This book was definitely important to read. Children in our society are so sheltered when it comes to learning about other cultures, this book, The Good Earth, is an easy way to see a completely different, some times strange, way of life.

In this novel, the author presents a fascinating and profoundly told tale of an extraordinary yet unmistakeably common farmer experiencing the hardships and triumphs of life. The primary motif of the story, a man's unquestioable understanding of the importance of land and wise caring for "the good earth," becomes wonderfully intertwined with the author's takes on common Chinese tradition of that era. Starting out as a dirt poor farmer, the main character Wang Lung works hard and feeds off of his determination until he eventually prospers into a rich and respected lord. Upon reaching this final financial state, the delightfully dark and curious ending to this novel presented the invitable doom typical of the dynastic cycle (what goes up, must come down...). I was absoluetly entralled by the striking depiction of raw human emotions, the way the language and often contemption comedy meshed together, and most of all, the wonderful satire of ancient Chinese practices. The simple, straightforward, yet powerful language utilized throughout the book stirs up strong emotions from both the characters and the reader to create a masterpeice of a novel. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy to laugh at the follies of human nature but don't want to take on something as complicated as Shakspeare.

Pearl S. Buck's novel THE GOOD EARTH takes place during the 19th century. The story starts out as Wang Lung, a poor peasant begins his own family, after purchasing O-Lan, a servant. You learn about him and the ups and downs he encounters throughout his life, and how he rises to being a wealthy noble. You will also learn a lot about how the chinese lived during that time. Throughout the book, the author stresses how important Wang Lung's land was. Though Wang Lung had extremely hard parts of his life, when his family had absolutely nothing, he never gave up on his land. He knew that it was important to keep. I thought the book was very interesting. I learn a few lessons after reading it. At times the story was a little drawn out and lost my concentration, but overall the book was interesting. The book was also emotional at times. I would suggest reading this book if you like learning about different cultures.