👶👶👶 The Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck

This was another of Oprah’s Book Club picks that I somewhat enjoyed, yet didn’t truly delight in. Set in 19th Century China, The Good Earth told the epic story of Wang Lung, a poor Chinese farmer, who eventually became a wealthy businessman, due in great part to his wife, O-Lan, for whom he had little respect.

The tale spanned most of his lifetime, so it was a long, episodic novel, that dragged on during certain parts. It was also somewhat scattered, perhaps because it tackles so many issues and events. Also, I never connected with any of the characters, and felt little in the way of emotion for any of them, aside from O-lan. Wang Lung managed to frustrate me most of the time with his eventual progression into self-righteousness. I appreciated the historical aspect of the story, but also realize that the Chinese culture has come a long way from what is portrayed in this novel.

Overall, it was an interesting story, but one that lacked any real gusto. 

Read 10/26/15