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Peony

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 1,724 ratings · 139 reviews

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 them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in thi...more

Paperback, 339 pages

Published January 1st 2006 by Moyer Bell (first published 1948)

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Jan 26, 2013 Adam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jewish, historical-fiction, un-put-down-able

Years ago, I discovered that there was a Kosher Chinese restaurant in Hendon, a suburb in North West London. It was, and still is, called ‘Kaifeng’. It is named after the city of the same name in mainland China, which had a Jewish community dating back to 1100 AD if not before. So, when I discovered that there had been a novel written about the Jews of this city, I obtained a copy.

The novel, “Peony”, set in the 19th century, is written by Pearl Buck, who lived for many years in China. Peony is a...more Years ago, I discovered that there was a Kosher Chinese restaurant in Hendon, a suburb in North West London. It was, and still is, called ‘Kaifeng’. It is named after the city of the same name in mainland China, which had a Jewish community dating back to 1100 AD if not before. So, when I discovered that there had been a novel written about the Jews of this city, I obtained a copy.

The novel, “Peony”, set in the 19th century, is written by Pearl Buck, who lived for many years in China. Peony is a bond servant (in effect a slave) who lives with the Ezra family, a wealthy Jewish trading family in Kaifeng. She has a secret ‘crush’ on David, the son of the family, with whom she has grown up. David’s mother is keen that her son becomes betrothed to Leah, the daughter of Kaifeng’s elderly blind rabbi. Peony encourages David to ‘fall’ for Kueilan, the attractive daughter of a wealthy Chinese business man. David is torn between Leah, whom he respects for her desire to propagate Jewish traditional values, and the sensuous gentile Kueilan. Fate decisively determines that he marries the latter. Kueilan bears him numerous children. The Ezra business prospers. Peony remains content serving David and his family.

Everything changes when Peony accompanies David, his wife, and children, on a long trip north to Peking. What happens I will not reveal. But, suffice it to say that what had been a peaceful existence comes to an end.

Taken at face value Buck’s novel is a well-written story rich in detail about life in 19th century China. However, its real interest for me is its exploration of assimilation. On the one hand, David’s mother, the rabbi, and Leah wish to preserve their Jewish identity from becoming dissolved and diluted in the sea of the Chinese world that surrounds them. In contrast, David and his father have fewer concerns about this happening.

Leah points out to David that without people like his mother and her father, “… our people would long ago have been lost. We would have become as all other people are, without knowledge of the One True God. But they are the faithful, who have kept us a living and separate people.” David replies, “Yet I wonder if it is not they who turn others against us…” I have also often wondered whether this desire by some Jews to consider themselves distinct (i.e as being the the 'Chosen People') from their gentile neighbours might be a factor contributing to the antagonism that some gentiles have towards Jews.

David wonders, “Would he keep himself separate, dedicated to a faith that made him solitary among whatever people he lived, or would he pour the stream of his life into the rich ocean of all human life about him?” You will have to read “Peony” to find out.

PS: The edition, which I read, includes an interesting historical appendix about the Jews in China.(less)

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Dec 18, 2012 Kressel Housman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, fiction, jewish, world-culture, chinese-culture

As I've said before, my criterion for rating a psychology book a 5 is if it changes my life positively. This novel solidified for me my criterion for giving a novel a 5: do I shed actual tears for the characters? In this case, the answer is yes, so hence the 5 stars.

The book is set in the home of a Jewish merchant family in China in the 1850's. According to the historical afterword in my copy of the book, Jews lived in China as far back as the 1200's, and the 1850's is when they ceased to functi...more As I've said before, my criterion for rating a psychology book a 5 is if it changes my life positively. This novel solidified for me my criterion for giving a novel a 5: do I shed actual tears for the characters? In this case, the answer is yes, so hence the 5 stars.

The book is set in the home of a Jewish merchant family in China in the 1850's. According to the historical afterword in my copy of the book, Jews lived in China as far back as the 1200's, and the 1850's is when they ceased to function as a community. How and why did they disappear? No doubt in the way the novel depicts it: through intermarriage and assimilation.

From a Jewish perspective, this book is an absolute tragedy. The matron of the house, Madame Ezra, wants nothing more than to see her son David marry a Jewish woman and carry on the Jewish tradition, even in China. But Peony, the Chinese bondmaid (a house slave, essentially), has ideas of her own about David's future and engages in some pretty elaborate manipulations to get her way. It's incredibly ironic; everyone fears Madame Ezra, but the sly little slave girl ultimately wields more power.

An apropos (though admittedly borrowed) term to describe this book is a "moral chiaroscuro." The characters are not divided into black and white, good and evil. Madame Ezra has an imperious manner, but she's highly principled and is basically kind. David's struggle with his conscience is very human and very Jewish. And Peony herself, while supremely dishonest, also shows an almost saintly level of kindness, especially at the end.

As I said, from a Jewish perspective, this book is 100% tragic. Traditional Jews will be disturbed by it, particularly for its attack on the concept of "chosenness." But it is nonetheless probably an accurate depiction of the fate of the Jews in China, which is something worth learning about. As a historical note, though the book is set in the 1850's, it was written in the late 1940's, i.e. in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust. No doubt that is what motivated Pearl S. Buck to explore the theme of Jewish disappearance.

As a love story, this novel is passionate, well-written, and complex. I don't know what a romantic would say to the ending, but overall, the book is worth reading just for the characters and the "moral chiaroscuro."(less)

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Oct 29, 2007 Daniel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Peony is an interesting look at the death of the Jewish community of Kaifeng, China, though in many ways, it is a case-study for what could happen to any Jewish community that becomes assimilated.

Pearl S. Buck's writing is excellent, and the storytelling is engaging. I had some issues with the story, since I do not agree with intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews, or with the casual attitude taken by some of the characters when simply tossing aside Jewish rituals and traditions, nor with the...more

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Oct 15, 2008 rivka rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to rivka by: Kressel

Shelves: jewish, historical

There are two main ways Jews have disappeared from a given place: hatred and kindness. Hatred causes holocausts and inquisitions; kindness makes assimilation attractive.

There are many many books about the former. This is one of the few good books I have read about the latter.

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Dec 16, 2012 Tamara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Mixed reaction to my first Pearl S. Buck novel. The theme of assimilation vs holding true to traditions was interesting but I was put off by some of the author's perspective on this theme. Her characters seemed sterotyped - the "sad jews" and the "happy & carefree natives" were primarily there to give a framework for long philosphical point of views - they did not seem like real people. Buck is obviously a believer in assimiliation over tradition as the characters who hold to their tradition...more

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May 13, 2012 Evangeline rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating peek into the Jewish community in Kaifeng, China. The book dealt with how the Jews struggle to hold on to their traditions and religion, but find themselves assimilating into the tolerant community they live in, as the years slip by. This was made manifest in the character of David, as seen from how he turned away from Leah to the Chinese girl whom he eventually married. More than that, the book gave me a further glimpse into what being a bondmaid in China entailed. It cen...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Marcy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely relished The Good Earth and read a book about Pearl Buck not long ago. I wanted to read other novels by Ms. Buck, and chose this one. It is about the assimilation of one rich Jewish family living amongst the Chinese people. The family, especially the mother of the Ezra family, desires to keep her Jewish heritage alive, and is determined that her handsome son will marry a Jewish woman, daughter of the local rabbi. The Jewish woman is not loved by the son of Ezra, David, and she takes...more

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Mar 28, 2011 Gypsy Madre rated it 2 of 5 stars

I had this on my shelf for years and have recently cleaned out said shelves! This was my first P.S. Buck read and it was... ok. I got frustrated with it frequently. The story ebbed and flowed between interesting and trite, which explains why I found one of my old bookmarks not quite 1/2way through! Sudden flashback! Yes! I have started this before! Where did I summon the fortitude to begin again and finish it? The only thing I can think of is now I have a Toddler and by the time he goes to bed a...more

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Nov 02, 2010 Michael Armijo rated it 5 of 5 stars

This should be required reading.

"A" is excellent and that's what this book truly is. This was a great book that explored two diverse cultures mingling in love, work, family, religion, aging, power and secrets. It's a vacation to China without actually going. The proverbs, poems and phrases written within the story will stay with you forever. It's so meaningful and will provide a psychological balance for any one. If you are Chinese or Jewish this is a "required reading"! Although, I am a native...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Jon rated it 4 of 5 stars

I had been told that this was nothing more than a Barbara Cartland set in 19th century China, with some Jewish lore thrown in; but it was required reading for a group I belong to, so I finally tackled it with reluctance. I was very impressed both by the quality of the writing and the sensitivity with which Buck was able to enter into the lives of people far different from herself. The principal story is about the gradual assimilation of Jews into the local Chinese culture, and the degrees to whi...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Peony is a young girl sold to become the bondservant for an affluent Jewish family in 19th century China. She grows up being taken care of and caring for the family especially the young master David. This is a story of 2 diverse cultures -- Chinese and Jewish. Peony is in love with David but it is a forbidden love. David is unaware of her love. He has now reached the age when he should be thinking of getting married. When he was very young, his mother and her friend decided that their children w...more

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May 13, 2009 Kristina rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Pearl S. Buck fans; those interested in Chinese themes

Recommended to Kristina by: No one. I am a fan.

This book was a great achievement for Pearl S. Buck. It exhibits her ability to step outside of her personal bias and into another world. In quoting Wendy R. Abrahan, Ed.D in her afterward, "That the daughter of Protestant missionaries could so effectively impart the depth of feeling and concern behind a Jewish family aware of its imminent spiritual demise, yet deeply cognizant of its obligation to carry on the traditions of its forefathers in a foreign land-all the while exhibiting authentic Ch...more

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May 31, 2012 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club-read, classics, fiction

A short synopsis of this plots makes it seem like a romance. It's not. Peony is a "bondwoman", having been sold to a Jewish family when she was 8, as a companion for their only child, David. The children are now marriageable age. David's mother wants him to marry Leah, the beautiful and dutiful daughter of the Rabbi. His father wants him to marry Keilein, the beautiful younger daugter of his business associate. Peony, also quite beautiful, loves David, but knows he cannot marry her. However, her...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Alyson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Alyson by: Debe Hathaway, Marion Larson

Shelves: 2013, fiction

Pg 240: "Her life fell into pieces before her eyes, and she felt so faint that she could scarcely continue with her task of arranging lilies in a bowl." LOL LOL LOL, this sort of summarizes Peony perfectly. Peony is a purchased bondmaiden to the House of Ezra, a Jewish family that (along with other Jewish families) came so long ago to China that they believe they are foreigners and a people apart, but they have gradually forgotten most of their rituals and observances and their dress is almost e...more Pg 240: "Her life fell into pieces before her eyes, and she felt so faint that she could scarcely continue with her task of arranging lilies in a bowl." LOL LOL LOL, this sort of summarizes Peony perfectly. Peony is a purchased bondmaiden to the House of Ezra, a Jewish family that (along with other Jewish families) came so long ago to China that they believe they are foreigners and a people apart, but they have gradually forgotten most of their rituals and observances and their dress is almost entirely Chinese and they all have hair that is black and their eyes approach almond-shaped (from intermarrying). Though their noses are still tall. Peony has been David ben Ezra's companion since she was 8 years old, and though their intimacy in so growing up led to love, for her, she is wise enough to realize that a family of their standing—for they are very successful merchants—would never let their son marry a servant. But she can't stand to be without David, so she soldiers on as servant to David and his wife. Written in the third person but from Peony's perspective, there are times in this book where it seems like she's the only one aware of the entire picture, and the only one competent enough to guide unfolding developments. She has a few strings on everyone, it seems, to move them in the way she wants them to go.She's cunning for a bondmaiden, but she's also good all the way through so her craftiness isn't used for ill. And somehow, even when her life falls apart before her very eyes, she manages (barely!) to keep arranging the lilies in their bowl.

Pg 248: "It was inevitable when people were kind and just to one another, that the walls between them fell and they became one humanity." This is one of the messages of the book. While some people (like myself) see a hope and joy in that message, some would despair over it. Because the Chinese were so good to the Jews who came into their country when they lost their own, because they opened their arms to them and welcomed them, the Jews there did not remain distinct. Over time, they blended and blended until they became Chinese.

As a character study and a history study, this book was great. Fabulous. Amazing. But I'm not big on character studies; I'm big on plot, and of that there was comparatively little. There were some exciting moments, but in all it was an effort to get through this when I realized that nothing exciting would ever happen. Events came on suddenly and made me think something exciting might happen, but then they calmed right down again and Peony saved the day again and the little plot ship quit rocking.

Very well written. Pearl S. Buck definitely has a way with words, and there were as many threads in this story as in a tapestry. She kept them weaving and building (gently) the entire way through. But well written though it was, I didn't find it as gripping as The Good Earth or, hey, any other book that has a plot. (less)

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Mar 09, 2011 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am officially in love with Pearl Buck. What an amazingly skillful writer! There is so much to say about this book.

First, the themes are right up my alley -- so much of the plot revolves around gender, religion, class and cross-cultural relationships. The story is set in China, specifically in a region in the mid 1800's where groups of Jewish people settled to escape persecution. The family at the center of this novel struggles with identity, each family member in a different way. The father i...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Corey Deiterman rated it 2 of 5 stars

Buck is clearly a superb writer, but Peony does not stand as one of her great works. The main thing that drags the book down is that her characterization is dramatically inconsistent throughout. People go from one mindset to the next in a matter of two pages sometimes. We aren't just talking small changes either, people in the book radically alter their world view in such short amounts of time. One conversation can inspire someone to decide to marry, kill, or change religions in this book. You g...more Buck is clearly a superb writer, but Peony does not stand as one of her great works. The main thing that drags the book down is that her characterization is dramatically inconsistent throughout. People go from one mindset to the next in a matter of two pages sometimes. We aren't just talking small changes either, people in the book radically alter their world view in such short amounts of time. One conversation can inspire someone to decide to marry, kill, or change religions in this book. You get the impression that each character is slightly mentally unbalanced (or extremely mentally unbalanced, depending on the character). The writing is wonderful from a technical standpoint, but the malleability of the characters to suit whatever whim Buck has for the plot is just too ridiculous to accept.

To address another separate issue I had with it, I should mention that I am a practicing Jew. I checked this book out from the library primarily because it is one of the few texts that focuses on the lives on Chinese Jews, which is a subject I am very interested in. However, this book borders on being offensive to Jewish people. I won't say that it is offensive because its view on Jews is not hateful, just simply misguided. Buck reflects her own ignorance of Jewish culture in the way she characterizes the practicing Jewish characters. Many times she sets up a conflict and the resolution is simply that if a character gave up being Jewish then they just wouldn't have any problems. I don't doubt Buck had the best intentions and she clearly has no specific problems with Jewish people (though some of her characters describe Jewish people and customs alternately as "strange" and "silly," though you can give her something of a pass on that because, really, what would Chinese people unfamiliar with Jewish customs think other than that about them?), but she doesn't show a great deal of understanding and she also clearly thinks that her own Chinese culture is far superior. Given the time period this was written, I should not be surprised by the attitude, but I had hoped if one was to write a book focused on Jewish people that it wouldn't accidentally make a mockery of Jewish people. I understand it was harder to get information in the time period this was written too, but would it have been too much to ask for Buck to sit down and talk to some Jewish people before writing this? It seems like the extent of her research was finding out which holidays Jews celebrate, grabbing some Jewish stereotypes, and writing her book.

I digress. Putting aside my feelings on her distinct lack of Jewish knowledge, it still falters in its characterization, but the story will at least grab you enough that you finish reading it.(less)

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Mar 09, 2011 Joann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorite-authors

I really enjoyed this book. Peony is one of my new favorite heroines. I so admired her courage, intelligence and virtue in a society that often looked down on (or at least discouraged) those characteristics in women. Again Pearl S. Buck has given great insight into the Chinese culture, this time focusing on the Jewish community within China. Throughout the novel Buck raised the interesting idea of dedication to religion versus asimilation to society. I particularly appreciated when Peony and her...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Beverly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Buck's portrayal of the Jewish characters is way off. A rabbi would never use the word Jehovah or refer to G-d as our Father. These are Christian. Also, among the least likable characters are the Rabbi, his son, and Madame Ezra who are the least assimilated characters. Blaming the violence against Jewish people because they separate themselves from others and proclaim themselves the chosen people, that is, better than everybody else who doesn't worship " the one true god" are at best misguided,...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not one of Pearl S. Buck's better known books, but a very good one. As usual, her eloquence in description is beautiful, and her story of Peony, a bondsmaid (slave) to a wealthy family in China is very interesting. That the family is Jewish gives it a different perspective from her other books, as they live a life with their traditions firmly planted in Judaism and Chinese culture. Peony loves her young Jewish master as a brother, and as they grow up together, her love becomes more serious. How...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Emily Decobert rated it 4 of 5 stars

I don't know exactly how to start this review. I enjoyed the book, finding it a very intense look into Chinese life at that time. Peony was bondsmaid to a Jewish family, so not only does the book reveal aspects of Chinese culture, but aspects of Jewish culture in China as well, showing the very contrasting worlds and the problems of keeping a pure Jewish heritage in a very accepting counter culture. Peony is in love with the young Jewish master of the house, but she knows they can never marry. I...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Having read “The Good Earth” as my first foray into Buck’s novels, everything else by her has had a tough climb to reach the pinnacle I’ve put “Earth” on. This book does a very good job, but still doesn’t topple “Earth.” I liked Peony and David as characters, but I never really could find myself enjoying the story. I wanted to know what happened next, but I wasn’t compelled to keep on reading it. Halfway through the book, it seemed like the story lost steam and veered off into a completely diffe...more

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Jan 20, 2010 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I learned so much. I don't know why, but it never occured to me before that the displaced Jewish people would head east to China as well as west to Europe. And I love how Buck takes the reader into China with information about customs and events with just enough information for understanding without losing the story line at all.

Peony's story is tragic but beautiful. She is not perfect, but you can see as she grows and her loves grows. She is, I think, above reproach.

There were parts of the stor...more

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Oct 22, 2007 Fadoua rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: from-the-world, american-literature

A story about a successful exchange between too different culture, namely Chinese and American culture.

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Apr 21, 2013 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-historical

Pearl Buck can bring the Chinese culture to Westerners and let us understand the Chinese world view. "Pearl" also deals with the world view of Jewish immigrants and questions of cultural identity and assimilation. It is interesting to me which aspects of culture the immigrants cling to and which are forgotten. For example, in my mind the Passover is more about freedom from slavery than about returning to Israel. However, in the book, the Jewish traditionalists don't seem to have difficulty with...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Page Temple rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting description above that the theme of this book is about tolerance. I suppose that one could weed out selfishness, self-preservation, manipulation, greed, separateness, martyrdom, justification/rationalization and ego to get to the beauty of tolerance.
The story of Peony ends with her reflecting on her actions and deciding that she was not wrong because nothing was lost. I think she rationalized her actions to serve her desires. As most people do. The environment (wealthy palace or nun...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Victor Carson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classic, fiction-foreign, history

I have read and enjoyed two of the novels for which Pearl S. Buck is best known The Good Earth and Sons , written in the 1930's, but I was unfamiliar with Peony which was published in 1948 - that is, after World War II. I was also unfamiliar with the presence of Jews in China, dating from the 9th century, or earlier. That Jews were still a recognized minority in China in the mid-nineteenth century was quite amazing. Had I been familiar with these historical facts, I would not have thought it lik...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Orsolya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, historical-fiction

Although I am drawn to Jewish culture (my boyfriend is Jewish); I was unaware of the Jewish assimilation into Imperial China. Pearl S. Buck reveals a cultural and character study in “Peony”.

“Peony” encompasses the lovely prose which Buck is known for: strong, smooth, and crisp literary language with a Zen-like ambiance. Buck’s writing style always has a calming effect which adds an ethereal layer to her novels. In comparison to Buck’s “Pavilion of Women” (which I adored); “Peony” is slightly slo...more Although I am drawn to Jewish culture (my boyfriend is Jewish); I was unaware of the Jewish assimilation into Imperial China. Pearl S. Buck reveals a cultural and character study in “Peony”.

“Peony” encompasses the lovely prose which Buck is known for: strong, smooth, and crisp literary language with a Zen-like ambiance. Buck’s writing style always has a calming effect which adds an ethereal layer to her novels. In comparison to Buck’s “Pavilion of Women” (which I adored); “Peony” is slightly slower in pace and weaker in its impact on the reader. Something seems to be missing in “Peony” which was the starring factor in “Pavilion”. Yet, there are similarities within the two novels making Buck’s writing familiar and attractive.

“Peony” follows various characters (telling the story from multiple perspectives) which results in a filter and inhibitor from getting to know each character on a deep level. The main character (Peony, clearly) is not entirely likable and is too contrasting in her behaviors/actions. However, this may be because she is a youth in “Peony”. The characters are simply either “too good” or “too bad” lacking multi-dimensional discovery. The attempt to make Peony’s character strong and profound was instead hazy and uncertain. Plus, Peony’s constant “weeping” and “tears” were extremely annoying.

This can also be said about the theme of Jewish assimilation into China. Buck’s knowledge regarding the topic appears vague and construes Jews as the “good guys” with the Chinese as “bad guys”; although she doesn’t give a hearty basis for this distinction. Understandably, the novel needs an antagonist and the culture clash is her purpose but absence of an explanation makes this conflict and characterization unbelievable and in turn makes the Jewish people seem like the negative roles in “Peony”.

“Peony” becomes more engaging, less predictable, and filled with more thought-provoking philosophical statements as the story progresses. However, each conflict is too easily solved thus contriving the shallow lack of depth. The chapters in “Peony” are rather long which can distress those readers seeking more regular and patterned breaks.

“Peony” slows in pace in the latter half and although it has a philosophical message (concerning the blending of cultures and the death of generations); the execution falls short of Buck’s usual ardor. “Peony” doesn’t make as much of an emotional influence as one would expect from Buck. Furthermore, the ending of the novel is weak and ill-conceived to the rest of the story.

“Peony” is a quick read and enticing in comparison to many other historical fiction novels on the shelves. However, it may be a let-down for Buck fans as “Peony” is somewhat sedentary. The novel is worth a read but it is not a masterpiece (it would be very moving for a YA reader, however).
(less)

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Nov 19, 2011 Rahmadi Fajar Himawan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sebagai budak belian, Peony dibeli oleh keluarga Ezra bin Israel sebagai pendamping anaknya, David. Peony belum mengetahui apa-apa saat itu, dan masa kecilnya selalu diliputi oleh rasa sayangnya terhadap David. Tetapi kini mereka berdua telah dewasa, dan masing-masing dari mereka telah mengetahui kedudukan masing-masing : David sebagai tuannya dan Peony tidak lebih dari sekadar budak.
Madame Ezra sebagai ibu David bersikeras untuk mengawinkan David dengan Leah, keturunan Yahudi asli. Pernikahan...more Sebagai budak belian, Peony dibeli oleh keluarga Ezra bin Israel sebagai pendamping anaknya, David. Peony belum mengetahui apa-apa saat itu, dan masa kecilnya selalu diliputi oleh rasa sayangnya terhadap David. Tetapi kini mereka berdua telah dewasa, dan masing-masing dari mereka telah mengetahui kedudukan masing-masing : David sebagai tuannya dan Peony tidak lebih dari sekadar budak.
Madame Ezra sebagai ibu David bersikeras untuk mengawinkan David dengan Leah, keturunan Yahudi asli. Pernikahan itu diatur demi mempertahankan keaslian darah Yahudi keluarga mereka. Perlu diketahui bahwa banyak bangsa Yahudi yang mengungsi ke Cina, dan mereka semakin lama semakin menipis keaslian darahnya karena telah mempersuaikan diri dengan masyarakat Cina. Takut akan bangsa mereka yang semakin hilang, sera keyakinan Madame Ezra bahwa suatu hari nanti mereka kelak kembali ke negara mereka, pernikahan David - Leah tinggal menghitung waktu.
Peony sebagai perempuan yang telah lama mendampingi David, tidak bisa membohongi diri bahwa ia mencintai tuannya. Tetapi peluangnya - walau menjadi selir saja - sangat kecil, karena agama Yahudi tidak membenarkan kehadiran istri kedua atau ketiga. Dan bila David jadi mengawini Leah, maka semakin lama David akan jauh dari Peony ! Ketakutan budak itulah yang meniatkan dirinya untuk mempersatukan David dengan Kueilan, gadis Cina yang disukai David. Peony membuat syair sendiri, kemudian mengantarnya ke rumah Kueilan, lalu mengakui bahwa syair itu meruapakan buatan David. Kueilan yang ingin membalas kiriman itu, tidak dapat menulis syair. Peony akhirnya mendiktekan syair itu, sementara Kueilan menulisnya. Kepada David, diakuinya bahwa syair itu adalah ciptaan Kueilan. Dan begitulah seterusnya. Peony menjalankannya tanpa rasa sakit hati, dan semua itu hanya untuk David pujaannya.
Pada akhirnya, David mengawini Kueilan, karena insiden yang menewaskan Leah. Perbuatan Peony berhasil, walau pada akhirnya, terjadi sebuah kejadian yang pelik. Kepala kasim yang menyukai Peony, menyuruh gadis itu menjadi pelayan di istana kerajaan. Kekejaman kasim itu membuat Peony lari dari rumah David, agar orang-orang istana tidak dapat menemukannya. Peony menjadi seorang biarawati, melupakan api cintanya kepada David, dan dengan itu ia tidak bisa dijadikan pelayan istana. Sebenarnya David memiliki jalan untuk menjadikan Peony sebagai selir, bahkan mengaku cinta kepadanya. Peony mengelak, mengatakan bahwa cinta David hanyalah tameng agar Peony tidak dikejar oleh orang istana. Maka jadilah Peony seorang biarawati, mencukur rambutnya, dan mengabdikan seluruh hidupnya ( ia masih muda saat itu ) hanya untuk Tuhan semata.
Sekali lagi, Pearl S. Buck menanamkan pengertian bahwa cinta yang tulus hanya dapat ditebus oleh pengorbanan dan kesetiaan. Meskipun begitu, novel ini tidak terlalu fokus kepada sosok Peony, tetapi juga membabarkan lika-liku masyarakat Yahudi di Cina. Bagaimana mereka mempertahankan keaslian darah, serta tenggelamnya mereka menjadi bagian dari masyarakat Cina, amat menarik untuk diikuti.(less)

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Aug 21, 2011 Alvi Harahap rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one of these books where the research shows. I had NO idea that Jews were so settled into China before I read this book. Pearl did a wonderful job with writing this book, and the interplay of Jewish and Chinese heritage made for a very good read.

The story is an episodic tale that covers a number of years. Peony is a bondmaid that is apparently a well-treated slave. Buck's text discusses how her owners have the right to sell her, even separate spouses. Peony was sold by her parents as a...more

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Mar 05, 2010 Natacha Martins rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Em Bem Me Quer, Mal Me Quer, Pearl S. Buck fala-nos da posição das mulheres na sociedade chinesa, submissas e pouco instruídas, mas essenciais nos seus papéis. No livro, as mulheres são as responsáveis por quase todos os acontecimentos. Os homens são manipulados, sem o saberem, por elas.
Embora tenha gostado mais do Há Sempre Um Amanhã, da mesma autora, o Bem Me Quer, Mal Me Quer é, também ele, muito bom. Por não ser uma pessoa religiosa, não me identifiquei com as dúvidas que assombravam as pers...more

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About Pearl S. Buck

Pearl Sydenstricker Buck (1892–1973) was a bestselling and Nobel Prize–winning author. Her classic novel The Good Earth (1931) was awarded a Pulitzer Prize and William Dean Howells Medal. Born in Hillsboro, West Virginia, Buck was the daughter of missionaries and spent much of the first half of her life in China, where many of her books are set. In 1934, civil unrest in China forced Buck back to t...more

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“there is one word that can be the guide for your life- it is the word reciprocity.” — 15 people liked it

“He was part of a whole, a people scattered over the earth and yet eternally one and indivisible. Wherever a Jew lived, in whatever safety and isolation, he still belonged to his people.” — 7 people liked it

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