Pearl Buck never ceases to amaze all who are fortunate enough to come across any of her works. The Imperial Woman is an astoundingly human book about Tzu Hsi, the Empress Dowager of the Forbidden City, and her ability to move people to this day with her fierce, courageous spirit. One might think she was Queen Elizabeth reincarnated. Be ready to read on and on -- you won't be able to put it down.

Imperial Woman tells the story of Tzu Hsi (pronounced Cixi). She was a well-known leader because not only was she the last empress of China, but also she was strong, smart, fierce, and efficient. The story begins with young Yehonala, a beautiful and spirited girl who is engaged to her cousin. Every year, as it is considered an honor, women are picked to become the Emperor's concubines. Yehonala and her cousin, Sakota, are picked and are taken away from their family, never to be seen again. The first portion of the book describes how Yehonala wants to stand out from the others so she will be picked by the emperor to become his head concubine. She plays the part of a spoiled brat well. This includes sleeping in, making sarcastic comments, not lifting a finger to help wash herself, and looking the emperor straight in the eye (in China you cannot look past mid-chest of the emperor). The emperor is attracted to her and she and Sakota are picked to be the head concubines. Yehonala waits to be summoned by the emperor and befriends the emperor's mother the Dowager Empress. Meanwhile, Sakota is in the emperor's company and soon it is announced that she is with child. Now that the emperor has 'paid his debt to society' his attention wanders to Yehonala and she is summoned. There she loses her innocence forever in more ways then one. Yehonala becomes the new favorite and secures that role by giving birth to a son and she is crowned 'Fortunate Mother'. This gives her a position higher than anyone in the palace.
The second portion of the book tells of the death of the emperor and dowager princess. Yehonala and Sakota become the Dowager Empresses and are equal in power. But tongues are beginning to wag. Is Yehonala's son the emperor's child? Is someone plotting against Yehonala? Why is Sakota behaving so icily toward her? Yehonala must answer the questions to save not only her son and her own life but also the kingdom. Learning to trust no one but her 'loyals', Yehonala rules the kingdom with a strong hand.
The main characters shape Imperial Woman. Pearl Buck does a phenomenal job of portraying her characters. They are also easy to connect with and you find yourself cheering for Yehonala. You share the emotions with the characters, when Yehonala is distressed because she will never be able to marry the love of her life now that she is the emperor's concubine; you find that you are crying with her. The main characters are Yehonala/ Tzu Hsi, Sakota, Li Lieng the Eunuch, The General of the Imperial Guard (Yehonala's cousin), The Emperor, and Tung Chih.
Yehonala is the main character and protagonist of the story. She is the spirited concubine who becomes the Emperor's favorite. She moves through many roles such as third rank concubine, first rank concubine, Fortunate Mother, Sacred Mother (Tzu Hsi), Consort, Empress of the Western Palace, Empress Mother, Empress Regent, and finally, Empress Dowager'the Old Buddha. Sakota is Yehonala's cousin and started as a first rank concubine. She was the first concubine because her father died fighting for the late Emperor, so the current Emperor owed it to her for her father's act of bravery. After she gets pregnant, the emperor has done his duty and his attention wanders to Yehonala. She soon becomes the Emperor's favorite and gives him a son. In ancient China, they did not realize the affects that opium taken in large quantities, every day would have on their bodies. Instead, it was believed that it had healing properties and would make you better and there was not such a thing as too much. So because of the large amount of opium they were giving the Emperor to heal him it eventually killed him. Li Lieng the Eunuch is probably the most loyal member to Yehonala. Even when she was third rank concubine he was loyal. When Yehonala finally asked him why he helped her because she had nothing to give him and she could not pay he replies 'I know what your destiny is ' When you rise toward the Dragon Throne I will rise with you, always your servant and your slave.' Li Lieng brought Yehonala gossip and news. He influenced major princes because the Eunuchs wielded much power. Li Lieng helped Yehonala privately meet the General of the Imperial Guard, her cousin who she was in love with, although there are suspicions that Li Lieng was in love with Yehonala as well. The General of the Imperial Guard was Yehonala's cousin who she had been engaged to before she became the Emperor's concubine. They were very in love and arranged secret meetings with the help of Li Lieng. The General eventually got married to Yehonala's favorite maid so as to avert suspicions of an affair. Last but not least is Tung Chih. Tung Chih was Yehonala's son and the new Emperor of China. He did not have much time to rule because he died young and his wife was so heartbroken she killed herself. This left Yehonala to pick someone else to rule.

Though Tzu Hsi (pronounced Sue- Z) was the last Empress of China very little of her life-- both personal and private-- is known. Much as been written about this unfortunate woman; nearly all of it speculation and a good deal of it obscene. In her book "Imperial Woman" Mrs. Buck trys her hand at telling the story of Tzu Hsi and,in my opinion, comes about as close to the real woman as we're ever going to find. Tzu Hsi here is no cardboard figure but a flesh and blood woman with fear, ambition,helpless, cunning, triumphants, and deep loniless. All set mid-late 19th century China in a court, in a county, weak and rotting from the inside out while struggling to deal wth coming of the West and the 20th century. The characterization, dialogue, and discription are magnificent. A "must read"-- definatly!

I first read this book when I contained my own "not so" hidden flower, I was a six months pregnant American woman married to a native Japanese. I was also young, in my early twenties. It touched me incredibly deeply. It is the story of young naive love, love that does not question if it chooses wisely. It is about passion without reason and the consequences of that love that cause great pain in the end. The young heroine chooses to love an American military man and marry him. He is enamoured with her, comletely taken and brings her home to be his bride only to discover that it is against the law to be married to a non-white. Indeed this law was changed only within my own lifetime. I can't imagine having to make the terrible choices the young woman was faced with once she found she was going to have a baby. The other interesting issue is the taste the American serviceman shows for the sexy exotic nature of his bride, but when it truly comes to the reality of life he easily discards her. ALthough he initially married her one can see the old saying emerge: "Asian girls are for fun, white girls are for marriage."

A touching and sad story, one that is hard for the younger generation to comprehend.

This book is one of the most intelligent, moving and open-minded statements on interracial love and relationships that I have ever come across. Buck's story of a star-crossed pair of East-West lovers set in post-War Japan explores the racial pride and prejudices of both the East and West. She also manages to tell a deeply moving human story that transcends race. And remember, she was doing this in pre-MLK America, when non-mixing of the races was a cherished American value. Few if any authors have handled this subject with more insight and even-handedness than Buck. And none with more genuine compassion. Should be required reading in any multi-ethnic society.

This is a captivating story of the unexpected love between an American soldier and an aristocratic Japanese student, set in WWII. They are together against the world - her parents in Kyoto-Japan, his parents in America, and the prejudices of the era against mixed marriages and the product of them, mixed children. 'The Hidden Flower' is one of Buck's masterpieces!

This story is an intriguing story of a man who cheats on his wife and has an illegitimate child. His wife journeys to Asia to see his son. This story is as beautiful as a pearl(no pun intended) It describes the beauty of Asia and America. I would rather cuddle up with this book than eat cheesecake any day.

This is Ms. Buck at her best. This is the story of a man's struggle to deal with his illegitimate son,a son he never knew existed, and this son's struggle to not only deal with his new family, but a whole new world. This story touches the reader in the very best way.

This little known book from Pearl S Buck is a gem. I liked the book better than "Good Earth".When ever you read Pearl Buck you expect a grim picture but this book is of different style. With due respect to Late Mrs Buck her books in China and Korea are full with details but lack cultural integrity but this is world apart. She is in her home grounds and she knows the life style as the palm of her hand. It is very inspiring for people who want to follow their heart and not get bogged down by the pressures and biasness of the society. Its for people who do not get carried away by dot.com stocks and have no regrets for it. There is a fantastic description of life in Southern ranches - their prejudices, vanities. It also shows the supreme sacrifice of some people for their belief in equality of human life and love for knowledge.

"Letter from Peking," a novel by Pearl S. Buck, is narrated in the first-person by its main character, Elizabeth MacLeod. Her narration begins from her home in rural Vermont in 1950. Elizabeth has been separated from her husband, Gerald, due to the poltical upheaval in China; he has remained in China to attend to his duties at a university. Gerald is the son of a Scottish-American and a Chinese woman.

As the novel unfolds, Elizabeth reflects on her past life with the absent Gerald. She also tells the story of her ongoing relationships with her and Gerald's son, Rennie; with Gerald's elderly father; and with other people in her life.

"Letter" is a fascinating look at how international political forces can act like a "tidal wave," affecting families profoundly. The book is also an intimate look at a marriage from a woman's perspective, and a compelling study of a biracial young man (Rennie) who is struggling with his dual heritage while making the passage to manhood. There is also an element of political intrigue and danger, although the focus of this book is family relationships and emotions.

Although the dialogue is occasionally a bit stiff, overall I was very impressed by the subtle artistry of Buck's prose. She has an eye for details: an old man's dragon-headed cane, the birth of a calf, "arching maple trees blazing with autumn fire," etc. At its best she attains a delicate, economical poetic prose. This is a fine novel by a writer who, in my opinion, deserves more attention.

'Letter From Peking' is a wonderful story, who I think is one of the best books I've ever read. The main character, Elizabeth MacLeod has to face many heartbreaking memories as she receives this letter. The author has done a very well job by putting some of Elizabeth's memories back and forth, from China to the present. Even though I'm only a twelve year old Korean boy, it wouldn't matter which book I read, neither sad nor happy. It all matters about the story, and how it goes. I know a lot of Chinese history, so it made sense to me, in this book. It is a pity that this wonderful book has gone out-of-print, but if you have a used bookstore, run, don't walk. You should really get this wonderful book. If you actually succeed in getting this book, you have gotten a very special classic treasure.

People should really run to a nearby used books store. This is one of the most inspiring and touching book I have ever read. Even though I'm a Korean and of course, an oriental, 12 year old-boy, I think this is one love story that touches everyone. The author has done a very, very good job of taking one piece and placing somewhere else like rearranging the story. It has the memories of the speaker who was in China, which in this case Elizabeth MacLeod.Its a pity that it is out of print. But you should check every used bookstore. If you are successful of finding Letter From Peking, you have earned a prized treasure.

This second volume to the "House of Earth Trilogy" takes off right where "The Good Earth" ends. I was fortunate enough to find a copy with all three books in one so for me there was no space between the two. Written in the same style of the first novel, this story begins with the lives of three sons of Wang Lung: Wang the eldest (Landlord), Wang the second (Merchant) and particularly, Wang the third (The Tiger). By far the most important and interesting character in this book is Wang the Tiger, who became a powerful war lord. Much was written about his life and how he longed to live the life of a soldier, having nothing but disdain for the farmer's life his father wanted for him. It's an interesting irony, how none of the sons respected what Wang Lung, their father, had left for them. The eldest only interested in the façade of the rich life, the second only interested in money, and of course, the Tiger, whose main purpose was to be a strong and powerful leader.

It's an exciting and sad novel. Reading the evolution of the Tiger's rise to power made the Merchant's and Landlord's lives pale in comparison. Wang the Tiger was a most fascinating character, always obsessed with control not only of others, but of his own inner feelings. It was as if he was driven to be more than human...strong and willful, void of any weakness, void of any softness of heart, setting impossible standards for himself.

Once his son was born, he transferred all of his focus from warring, to raising his son as a warrior like himself. His love for his son, like his love for power, was unwavering, unbending, and suffocating. For example, this was evident in the times when the Tiger noticed that his little boy was so grave and quiet for one so young. Also, though his son did whatever he was told to do, he lacked any spirit or enjoyment in his tasks. Unfortunately, every time the Tiger saw this, he had a moment of clarity, but was quick to ignore or bury it, and thus never really attained the wisdom to forsee what would become of his only precious son.

This was a wonderful and exciting novel to read, very different and lively feeling to that of "The Good Earth." Yet it's absolutely necessary to read it as part of the trilogy. Once you finish, you'll be anxious to know what becomes of the Tiger's son, and how the coming revolution will change their relationship.

Sons is actually a book about the differences between the three generations. Wang Lung died peacefully in the beginning. The story continued with the three different kinds of life the three sons of Wang Lund led. All of the three sons were concisely portrayed, with a slight emphasis on the third, Wang the Tiger. He rose slowly to the position of a warlord. In order to pass his position to his son as he was growing old, he sent his son to a military school to learn western war techniques. However, his sons turned against him by joining the New Revolutionary Army which was against all old lords.

The story is a little bit long, in a way. However, it wis certainly worthy to be read as it shows me how men, no matter how "straight" they are outside, have after all been self-centered. The book is also not in very difficult language. It needs a little bit patience, bit will make a difference in people's life. Give it a try!

An absolute and thoroughly interesting saga and drama of the sons of Wan Lung. The book mostly follows the life of the departed son, Wang the Tiger. His mission is to have his own army and a son of his own. Pearl S. Buck skillfully details Wang the Tiger's desires, emotions and thoughts. Wang the Tiger removes his son from his sisters and mother to ensure the lad's education and guidance & preparation to follow Wang the Tiger's footsteps. This book is as excellent reading as "The Good Earth" and completely to the end!

When I first read "Pavilion of Women" I was unsure whether I like it or not...in fact I was a little disappoionted. But over the months I found my thoughts constantly flitting back to it-- to some bit of dialog, some passage in this book. A year later, drawn by something I could not describe, I re-read this book. It is not a book for girls, or even young women. It is a book for women. Women who have been married a long time. They alone, I think, would understand, sympathize and identify with the actions of the main character, Madame Wu, who, on her 40th b'day, arranges for her husband to take a "little wife",and the consquences of this action on the family. I know the premise sounds simple but this book explores the very deep waters of the human heart. To be honest, even after a second reading I am not sure I actually like Madame Wu, and , I must admit, it is not Mrs. Buck's greatest works but , as said before, there is something haunting about this book...

I love and treasure this book immeasurably. Every time I find a copy at a used book sale, I buy it and send it to my one of my women friends. Women everywhere should read this spectacular, beautifully written story of the independent, sassy Madame Wu. I thought Ms. Buck could never top "The Good Earth" but this one did it for me. I won't give a book report, just my humble opinion that this book should be on the reading list of every woman on earth....even my 20-something daughters loved the story.

The final sentence of the book, "she knew she was immortal", describes a women's journey from domination to submission. Madame Wu, a wealthy landowner's wife in pre-war China is in control of her family's destiny. She decides at the age of 40 to retire from being her husband's lover and instead 'buys' him a young concubine so she can spend the rest of her life seeking her own pursuits of the spirit. Instead she finds that all under her own 'control' is falling apart until she meet's her son's tutor, Brother Andre who begins to teach her about life and the immortal decisions she is making. At first she is skeptical but soon she begins to notice that his words and ideas breathe new life into what she begins to understand is her soul.

Instead of 'controlling' her family's happiness she begins to understand that happiness comes from setting the soul free so it can truly be itself. In doing that she understands her own immortality and achieves a peace she never thought attainable.

Pearl Buck weaves a story of a beautiful, dutiful woman who in the world's view has everything but learns to give it up so she may find the happiness that all souls seek, freedom to be who God intended.

A very moving book. The book was written 50 years ago, and it sounds as current as if it had been written today. A mother's feelings are timeless.

"The Child Who Never Grew," by Pearl S. Buck, is the true story of the struggle of the author after learning that her daughter Carol, born in 1920, was mentally handicapped. The 1992 Woodbine House edition contains a foreword by James Michener, an introduction by Martha M. Jablow, and an afterword by Janice C. Walsh, who was Pearl's daughter and Carol's's sister.

Jablow notes in her intro that "Child" first appeared as an article in "Ladies Home Journal" in 1950 and was shortly thereafter published in book form. Jablow notes that the book is "a landmark in the literature about disabilities." As such, I consider "Child" a fitting companion text to a book like Helen Keller's "The Story of My Life." Jablow notes that mental retardation "carried a shameful stigma" when Buck first had this story published; Jablow provides further useful historical context for the main text.

Buck writes very movingly of her heartache at the discovery of her child's plight. She documents her awareness of the stigma against people like Carol, and also tells of her search for an institution where Carol's special needs might be met. Buck passionately defends the humanity and worth of the mentally retarded, and tells what her experiences with Carol taught her: "I learned respect and reverence for every human mind. It was my child who taught me to understand so clearly that all people are equal in their humanity and that all have the same human rights."

Walsh's afterword continues the story of Carol. She fills in some of the very obvious gaps in Buck's story. Walsh's contribution to this book is very moving, and includes photos of Carol.

In addition to being a work of historical and sociological importance, I found "The Child Who Never Grew" to be a moving and very personal piece of American literature. For another good companion text, try William Styron's "Darkness Visible," in which the distinguished writer tells of his battle against clinical depression. Also, try "On the Way Home," by Laura Ingalls Wilder; this book has additional material by Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and like "The Child Who Never Grew" is thus a sort of mother-daughter literary collaboration.

I cherish this book. I am the mother of a wonderful little boy with special needs who is also terminal. I could never put into words all my thoughts and feelings. Ms. Buck did that beautifully and with heart. I reread it often and share it with other parents needing the encouragement that she bestows with her wonderful writing. Thank you!

I thought I would never read a novel as outstanding as The Good Earth. And then I read Dragon Seed! Thus far, this is the greatest book I have ever read! There are truly no adjectives to satisfactorily describe the depth and poignancy of this novel. My heart filled with sorrow as I turned the pages of this mesmerizing story of the Chinese peasants' condition during World II. I would go back to re-read a paragraph every now and then in order to let the words seep into my very soul. I could not comprehend this unspeakable man's inhumanity to man, but there it was, as only Pearl Buck could write about it. Not to read this book at least once is not to have lived. I will carry the drama and heartbreak of Dragon Seed with me for the rest of my life. Dragon Seed is not just a novel; it is an experience of the heart and soul! It should be a must for everyone who truly loves great literature, and it should be required reading for every public high school student in this country.

At the age of 15 I stumbled upon this book. Who was Pearl Buck? I did not know. As I read it I became spellbound. This strange foreign family did not seem strange or foreign to me. They seemed, well, familiar, comforting. I realized they were my mother, my father, my brothers because although they lived in another place and time--their feelings, their struggles were timeless. This was my first clear introduction to understanding that human beings are the same everywhere. They are good and they are evil. Adversity brings both out in people. Dragon Seed was my first Pearl Buck novel, but now I have an extensive collection, that aside I've also traveled in Asia extensively. Not to mention the fact that my husband and children are Japanese! (Dragon Seed is in China but she's also lived in and written about Japan, India). Pearl Buck opened the windows of the world to me and more importantly, revealed the human soul. By the way, just so whoever wrote the other review knows: Dragon Seed WAS a movie starring Kathryn Hepburn. However, I think a remake starring a Chinese woman would be more appropriate. Also, frankly they distorted the plot horribly in the original movie.

I read this book because I love Pearl S. Buck books! Of all her books this is the best! And even of all other books, this is my favorite! There is just so much to this book that no movie or review such as I am giving could properly give justice to it. The sequel to it, The Promise, is a must-read only because the end of Dragon Seed will not be enough for anyone. I would describe this book as historical fiction. The events are real, the place is real (which we find out in The Promise, is a hamlet outside of Nanking/Nanjing-Pinyin), and the cultural Chinese family as presented is real. Everything else is just magical fiction! The book is humorous in places and serious in others. This is the ONLY book i have ever read twice, and i could read it for a third time! I can tell anyone in the film industry that this book can be made into the next great movie success story! This is the best review i can give for the greatest book ever written. Now the best I can do is wait to see if my review can encourage the entire world to at least give this wonderful book the chance it deserves!

Pearl S. Buck's "East Wind: West Wind" tells the life story of a traditional Chinese woman through her inner thoughts and feelings in an interesting manner. The woman, who was betrothed to a Chinese man before birth, later finds herself married the man, who has studied in America to become a doctor. Throughout the book, the woman represents stiff Chinese traditions while the man represents more modern and western beliefs. Relying on her traditional upbringing, the women attempts to please her husband by being his servant. However, he tries to change her view of what marriage should be: an equal partnership and not a servant and master relationship. Throughout the book, the couple strives to overcome various trials and ordeals that deal with changing traditions. In my opinion, "East Wind: West Wind" attempts to tackle the implicit battle between old, established traditions and more modern ideas; it also shows the conflicts between Eastern ideology and Western ideology. Overall, the book is a wonderful insight into the ancient cultural practices of China and how well they do or do not mingle with modern culture. "East Wind: West Wind" is a delightful and easy book to read, and it can be considered on of Pearl S. Buck's best works.

This was a quick and easy read told in the first person through the eyes of a Chinese woman. Also it's clear that the writer's own loyalty to the Western thought of romantic love is all over this story. It is this notion that ultimately drives the narrator to give up her old ways and accept the new.

Buck describes how difficult it is for one to accept change in age-old rituals. Although many of the traditions are seen as unnecessary, foolish or just plain sadistic, it's difficult to question them after growing up in a culture where these traditions have been practiced for thousands of years. The narrator is a good vehicle to show how upsetting, confusing and frustrating it can be to incorporate these changes into one's life. Time and time again the theme of the generation gap is revealed, showing how many people simply cannot be changed.

Although many of the following issues came into strong play in this novel, it wasn't so much a search for better opportunity, nor political freedom, independence, nor education, that was the big catalyst for change, as was the simple concept of romantic love.

This was a lovely, bittersweet story with a seemingly very realistic portrayal of how a family rooted in tradition would react to their children, who want to break from tradition. A classic issue, regardless of what era or culture in which one lives.

East Wind: West Wind Why is there a colon in between? The story is presented like a monologue. The wife in the story, who is a traditional Chinese woman, speaks out her innermost feelings. She is betrothed before her birth to a Chinese man who has gone abroad to study. The woman, representing old Chinese ideas and the man representing Western ideas thus have come together to solve their conflicts. The woman's brother also goes abroad and he intends to marry a western woman, which is strictly forbiden in ancient Chinese culture... After much this ado, it is a battle of East Idea and West Idea. The book ends with the well-mingled culture -- a combination of good East and West culture. The book is printed in very big fonts and are easy to read. It does not take a long time to read, but it tells a wonderful story. In some way, I value this higher than Pearl's most famous work The Good Earth. A book suitable for people who are curious about ancient Chinese culture. (Note, nowadays we Chinese no longer do such things as binding feet or kneeling down before elders and so on) Enjoy your reading!