Peony, by Pearl S. Buck is a fascinating look into the traditions and cultural aspects of the Jewish community within the city of Kaifeng, in the province of Henan, China, during the 1850s. According to archival information, Kaifeng is historically known to have been a city with the largest Jewish center in China, which included a synagogue.

Peony is a novel that is seen through they eyes of a Chinese bond maid (Peony), who was sold as a child into the Jewish household of Ezra ben Israe, a wealthy familyl.

The story begins to unravel, thread by thread, as Peony grows into a beautiful young woman, who is then treated more like a servant, and less like an “adopted/surrogate” family member. Her childhood years spent playing with Ezra ben Israel’s son, David becomes a primary issue with the family,
as they see Peony develop into a young woman. She is treated differently when she begins to physically blossom, and her adolescence is no longer apparent to others.

The family begins to treat her more harshly as Peony physically matures. The caring familial environment begins to ebb, and her role within the family becomes defined as one of servant. She is no longer permitted to go to David’s room, as she once did as a child when they would play together. And, he is no longer allowed to go to her room. The innocence of their youth is lost, and their relationship is stifled, due to David’s domineering parents, especially his mother.

David is being prepped by his mother to marry Leah, a woman he isn’t in love with. Due to tradition, he is not permitted to marry Peony. This is where the story becomes absolutely fascinating. Buck’s Peony breathes history throughout the pages, and the novel comes to life before the reader’s eyes. Buck certainly did her research to the fullest extent possible, and she is known for this attribute in all of her books.

I won’t go into more detail, as I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. You will have to read the book in order to absorb it to the fullest extent. The novel plays out in a profound way, and how the issues are resolved leads to awe-inspiring events, and an amazing conclusion.

The theme of identity and culture is strong, and the reader is a witness to the Jewish community assimilating into the Chinese culture due to religious and racial conflict. Buck writes using extremely vivid details, bringing the reader a profound historical novel, based on factual events. Her presentation fills all of our senses. I knew little about the Jewish community in Kaifeng, China. In fact I knew little about the Jewish community in China, period.

Peony is a book that is extremely illuminating in that respect. It appears to be simplistic at first, but the content becomes dramatic and compelling with each chapter. I was fascinated and enthralled with the novel. Pearl S. Buck is eloquent and stunning in her prose. Peony is a classic masterpiece. Her historical details are factually presented, with grace and magnificence. I highly recommend this book, not only for its excellent and profound story line, but also for the incredible historical facts that were presented, facts presented with the utmost of integrity.

This book is the fourth book (out of four of my choosing from my list), that I have read and reviewed for the Jewish Literature Challenge 2009.
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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Monday February 2, 2009 – 8th of Sh’vat, 5769