60 pages • 2 hours read
Pearl S. BuckThe Good Earth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1931A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck chronicles 50 years in the life of Wang Lung, an uneducated farmer in late 19th- and early 20th-century eastern China, focusing on his efforts to secure good harvests, purchase more land, and build a lasting foundation for his family amidst challenges like natural disasters, unscrupulous relatives, and social turmoil, with his dependable wife O-lan as his greatest ally. Throughout The Good Earth there are references to opium use, sexual abuse, cannibalism during a famine, and an instance of infanticide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is highly praised for its compelling portrayal of Chinese peasant life, rich character development, and evocative prose. However, some critics argue it can feel dated and occasionally perpetuates stereotypes. Despite this, it remains a powerful and influential narrative, revered for its insights into human resilience and cultural heritage.
Who Should Read The Good Earth?
A reader who would enjoy The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is likely fascinated by historical fiction, particularly stories set in early 20th-century China. Similar to fans of Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan or Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, they appreciate rich cultural depictions and nuanced character development.