Pearl S. Buck : A Cultural Biography

Rating:
Summary: a fascinating story
Review: A fascinating story of a woman's life, of a century and of two countries. Too often the author intruded with analysis and assumption (which I didn't always agree with), but his fundamental assumption, that Buck deserves more critical attention and acclaim than she receives, is indisputable. He quotes her observation, "It takes strength to be simple, and those who do not feel themselves strong find refuge in complexity."

Rating:
Summary: Incredible story - highly recommended
Review: I think that Peter Conn's book is an incredible achievement. It is apparent that he has taken great pains to sort through a massive quantity of letters, published writings, and FBI files about the writer and humanitarian Pearl Buck.

Thankfully, this is NOT the sort of dirty-laundry biography, so popular now, which serves only to tear down its subject. Conn is factual and honest to the memory of a great woman, who accomplished much in her lifetime.

The book follows Pearl Buck from her missionary origin through her unexpected literary success, into her high-profile career as a spokesperson for Chinese/Eastern issues and the founding of the Welcome House (an adoption agency) and the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

This biography inspired me to read through more Buck's novels. She was so prolific! I strongly recommend _Good Earth_ and _Sons_, as well as _Kinfolk_, and especially _The Mother_.

Conn's biography points out the factors that have led to her omission from the literary canon. Primarily, she was writing about the experience of women during a time when women's issues were dismissed as frivolous and un-literary. Also, she worked at such a great pace, that her writing is uneven, and not all of it of the great quality that earned her the Nobel prize.

I think that Peter Conn's book will remain a splendid resource about Pearl S. Buck for years to come! Good reading!

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Portrayal of an Extraordinary Woman
Review: Peter Conn's sweeping biography of Pearl Buck is as fascinating and provocative as Ms. Buck herself. I have been an admirer of Buck's writing for years, however I never knew the true depth of her character and achievements until I read Conn's book. Not only was the Nobel Prize winner an excellent writer and champion of Chinese causes, but she was a staunch supporter of civil and women's rights, a tireless fundraiser, and an advocate for inter-racial/international adoption. She was a fearless and often controversial speaker on behalf of the under-represented and oppressed, and made a great impact on public opinion towards racial and gender equality. Conn covers all of these diverse aspects of Pearl Buck beautifully. His book is very well researched, well organized, and well written. He presents all sides of his subject - good and bad - in an unflinching and intelligent manner. He discusses the circumstances under which Buck wrote her greatest books, her first 40 years in China, and her experiences as a prominent global literary figure. I couldn't put the book down - it was wonderful to discover that the writer whose books I have cherished for so many years had lead such a compelling and multi-faceted life. There is much more to Pearl Buck than even her impressive body of literary work suggests - and Peter Conn has done a tremendous job of revealing the many sides of this remarkable woman.

Rating:
Summary: An amazing Woman and an enlightening Book!
Review: This biography serves a 2-fold purpose: it reveals Pearl Buck's innermost self and it gives a succinct account of modern Chinese histroy. This meticulous book gives a detailed account of Pearl Buck's life whilst giving brief background of Buck's major works. At the same time, it is a mini history book of China giving good description of the Boxer Uprising, Nanking Revolution etc. The only setback is that there is little account of what the Buck Foundation has accomplished since Buck's death in 1973.

Rating:
Summary: Pearl Buck was magnificent; Peter Conn's book is NOT.
Review: This book, although entitled, "Pearl S. Buck: A Cultural Biography," only skims over her life in the barest manner. There is very little of her life in this tiresome book. She was a remarkable woman with much talent; the author takes great license in criticizing her work. I wanted to learn about her - not what the author thinks of her writing. If I hadn't been such a fan of hers, I would have tossed this book after the first hundred pages.

Rating:
Summary: Pearl Buck was magnificent; Peter Conn's book is NOT.
Review: This book, although entitled, "Pearl S. Buck: A Cultural Biography," only skims over her life in the barest manner. There is very little of her life in this tiresome book. She was a remarkable woman with much talent; the author takes great license in criticizing her work. I wanted to learn about her - not what the author thinks of her writing. If I hadn't been such a fan of hers, I would have tossed this book after the first hundred pages.