The Good Earth

by Pearl S. Buck
The Good Earth cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 5515
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781982147174
  • Publisher: Washington Square Press
  • Published: 2020-06-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Pearl S. Buck's timeless masterpiece, 'The Good Earth,' transports readers to 1920s China, a time of political and social upheaval. The novel follows the life of Wang Lung, an honest farmer, as he and his family face the terrors, passions, and rewards of life amidst vast changes./n/nThis evocative tale is a universal commentary on the meaning and tragedy of life, beloved by millions for its profound exploration of human nature and the cycle of life. It is a story that resonates across cultures and generations, offering a poignant look at an ordinary family caught in the tide of history.

Reviews
Vince Review · Vince · 2024-01-31
disturbing 3.00

The book is triggering, especially regarding the plight of females, but it offers a profound look into the societal norms of old agrarian China. It left a lasting impact, though not entirely positive.

Vince found The Good Earth to be a deeply unsettling read, particularly due to its portrayal of the harsh treatment of women in old agrarian China. The novel's exploration of societal norms and the struggles of its female characters left a strong impression on Vince, albeit a disturbing one. While the book's historical and cultural insights are valuable, Vince felt that the emotional weight of the story was overwhelming and left them feeling triggered. Despite this, Vince acknowledged the book's significance and its ability to provoke thought and discussion about important social issues.

Quick quotes

    I'm giving this book just three stars because I found it so triggering, especially regarding the sorry plight of females.

    It left me with a profound sense of unease and a lasting impact.

    The novel's exploration of societal norms and the struggles of its female characters left a strong impression on me.

What Cathy Read Next · Cathy · 2017-12-31
moving 4.00

The book is a poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family, highlighting the deep connection between people and the land. It is a powerful exploration of human resilience and the cycles of life.

Cathy found The Good Earth to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel. She appreciated the way Pearl S. Buck portrayed the struggles and triumphs of a rural Chinese family, emphasizing the importance of the land in their lives. The novel's themes of hardship, perseverance, and the cyclical nature of life resonated strongly with her. Cathy also noted the vivid descriptions of Chinese customs and the emotional depth of the characters, which made the story both engaging and memorable. She believes this classic novel remains relevant and impactful, offering a timeless exploration of human nature and the environment.

Quick quotes

    The Good Earth is a poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family, highlighting the deep connection between people and the land.

    It is a powerful exploration of human resilience and the cycles of life.

    The novel's themes of hardship, perseverance, and the cyclical nature of life resonated strongly.

Asia Society · A Reviewer · 2012-06-18
controversial 2.50

The novel is both a classic and not very good, managing to be simultaneously praised and panned. It is a controversial work that has sparked diverse opinions.

The reviewer from Asia Society found The Good Earth to be a complex and controversial novel. They noted that while the book is widely regarded as a classic, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of Chinese culture and society. The reviewer acknowledged the novel's historical significance and its ability to capture the essence of old agrarian China, but they also pointed out its flaws and the mixed reactions it has received over the years. The reviewer's opinion was that the book's strengths and weaknesses make it a fascinating subject for discussion and re-evaluation.

Quick quotes

    The Good Earth simultaneously manages to be both a classic and not very good.

    This is not, I trust, a controversial statement: Pearl Buck's novel has sparked diverse opinions.

    The book's strengths and weaknesses make it a fascinating subject for discussion and re-evaluation.

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