This is such a delicate story. It is my favorite book that I have read so far this year! The writing is very enchanting. I was fasinated by the inside view of a hidden culture that Lisa provided. I fell in love with this book, I became involved with this story, I felt like Peony, I felt her feelings along with her. Such a beautiful, enchanting, talented story.

My book group really enjoyed this book. It was culturally rich and beautifully written. The opera that the story was taken from was a new story to everyone in the book group. The tragedy of a life lost for love and the traditions behind death in ancient china was thought provoking. Great characters and twists in the story. Love is never simple and often misunderstood to tragic ends.