I read this book in high school, and could not remember what it was about, but now that I reread it, I find I appreciate it much more than I ever would have when I was 15. There are so many interesting aspects of the culture in pre-revolutionary China, and although the culture in the past seem immensely different from American culture, I find there are subtle similarities. For example, the man is considered the provider, and the woman is the caregiver, a son is more appreciated and wanted than a daughter because they can carry on the family name, and although society has changed and progressed over time, I still see these beliefs and traditions being played out in today's 'modern' society.

Overall a great classic that should definitely be considered for a book club pick :)

A well written and captivating story. You are immediately hooked on Wang Lu and what is happening to him. It leaves you uncertain as to whether or not he is a good man. You will have to finish it!

I really liked this, as did most of our members. We also had a good, not great discussion.

Worth the read even if I did not like the overall storyline.

I can see why this book is a classic. The Wang's early years are instructive for us now in these trying times.

I'm sorry but this book was not one of my favorites. I do have to say it was well written. Considering this book won the Pulitizer Prize and helped the author win the Nobel prize, I feel it is a piece of literature that should, perhaps, be read. Being a woman in today's world I was totally put off by the Chinese customs and the role women played in that country. The hero, if that's what you want to call him, was self centered and rude, at best, to his "first" wife. I read it because it was selected by one of our book club members. I love history and for that reason I did find sections of the book that were of interest as far as dealing with the day to day lives of families in China prior to their revolution.

Was a book that made you realize how lucky as women, that we live in this country. Glad I read it but was a difficult read for me.

I appreciated how the story continued to move at a steady pace. Although set in a different time and very different culture, I could relate to so much of the characters' emotions and thoughts. I used "gloomy" in choosing the descriptive words because it wasn't necessarily a happy time, or even a happy life for the protagonist, but that didn't detract from me being compelled by the story. Also, there were some powerful life lessons to be learned from this book - I can see why schools assign it.

well written, informative: it is an in depth look at early 20th century rural China, human nature, and the balance beween rich and poor, old and new, and the older and younger generations.