Search - Peony in Love

Lisa See has a writing style that quickly allows the reader to become absorbed in the book. This style makes Peony in Love an engaging and fairly easy read, even if the reader has never read The Peony Pavilion, which is the Chinese opera that inspired See’s novel.

Peony in Love is broken into three sections, the first of which is fairly slow going. It is obvious from the first section that the story is going to mirror The Peony Pavilion in that it will be a love story, but a love story that crosses both the mortal and immortal worlds. Even though the storyline is obvious, See manages to keep the plot moving in a way that leaves the reader with the desire to finish the story. However, there isn’t the emotional engagement with the characters that is present in some of her other works, like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

The other two sections of the book move in a fairly predictable direction, with a few unexpected twists and turns. Without giving away the end of the story, the rest of the book tells a common coming of age story in an uncommon way. Thoroughly researched Chinese culture and history is weaved throughout the tale in a way that makes the reader understand the full implications of being a woman in 17th Century China. The book is dramatic and tragic, yet there is a feeling of optimism that can’t be ignored.

See clearly does a significant amount of research into the controversy that the The Peony Pavilion caused throughout Chinese history, which gives the book a depth that contributes to its charm. However, the plot itself is less enchanting, which ultimately makes Peony in Love a good, but not great book.

Maybe you need to be in the right kind of mood to read this book. I dont think I was. It was well researched and well written but I just couldnt get into the dream sequences,the opera, the ghost wives ect. If you are a Chinese history buff it may be right up your alley - but I just got bored. I loved Snow flower and the secret fan so I was a bit dissapointed.

I quite enjoyed this story, more so than "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". The love story, the poetry and the cultural details -- funeral and wedding rituals, various celebrations -- were all fascinating. Recommended.

Another fabulous story by Lisa See. Makes me want to learn more about the Chinese culture. I'm hooked on her books now.

As always, a wonderful book from Lisa See.

A very different sort of love story! This book is very well written. Lisa See's writing is very descriptive...actually captivating. Peony in Love is a tale involving "love sickness" (which probably was anorexia nervosa present even in mid-17th century China), perceptions of the after-life, and even early feminism and ideas on women's rights. It's a great book! For me, I can't honestly say that it was a page turner, but I read it at a time in my life when I didn't always have the time to devote to becoming absorbed in a novel, so that might be the reason why. If you like love stories, and if you are interested in Chinese history and culture, I think you will enjoy this book!