A House Divided Book

Not many who have read the "Good Earth Trilogy" are likely to agree with me, but this was my favorite book in the series that begins with the The Good Earth, followed by Sons. That is not to say it is the best or most important book in the trilogy, for that depends on what terms we are speaking. All three a page turners with compelling characters and plots. The Good Earth received the most acclaim, is by far the best seller, and is also the best known because it was adapted into a movie. It is also the one that established Pearl Buck's reputation as a writer.

Nonetheless I found A House Divided the most interesting because I found the characters the most interesting and relatable. In this novel Buck depicts characters who are struggling with change and the clash of cultures in revolutionary times. Perhaps it is because Pearl identified with the situation of these characters and understood their situation that she is able to write so perceptively about them. She's able to give us more of an understanding of the psychology and motivations of the characters here than in the other two volumes. Unless, perhaps, I simply understand them better. In any case, a delightful read!