Published in 1931, Pearl S. Buck's Pulitzer prize-winning novel The Good Earth is a classic of Chinese fiction that has been translated into more than sixty languages. Set in a Chinese farming village in the late 19th century, the story follows the life and struggles of Wang Lung and his family.
The story begins in the prosperity of Wang Lung's farm, with abundant harvests and carefree living. But as the seasons pass, drought and famine hit the land, turning a once prosperous village into a place of suffering and despair. Wang Lung's oldest son, O-lan, takes charge of the family, shepherding the family members in decision-making and providing food and shelter. With her resourcefulness, O-lan helps the family survive, although times are hard. She begins to feel overworked and under-appreciated, as she is regularly mistreated by Wang Lung.
With the drought continuing and no end in sight, Wang Lung decides to travel to the nearby city to find work. He is hired as a day-laborer in the city and there he confronts a new lifestyle and culture, bringing with him the morality of his rural background. He eventually makes some money and returns to his village, hoping to build a better life for his family.
When Wang Lung returns home, he finds that his family has taken residence in an abandoned temple. With the help of O-lan and his sons, he reclaims his land, clearing out the weeds and building a house. But as the harvest begins to look promising, an old friend of Wang Lung's, Uncle Chiang, meddles and takes control of the farm. Wang Lung is angered and humiliated, but eventually agrees to try and provide for his family's needs, including getting land for his two eldest sons.
The coming of spring sees a blossoming of hope for Wang Lung and his family, as they celebrate the marriage of his eldest son, and they still have the promise of better times ahead. But these hopes soon vanish, as famine, crop failure, and debt threaten to devour the family.
The Good Earth follows the struggles of Wang Lung during the harsh times of famine, watching dearly-loved family members die and the morality of his rural background slowly fades away. The novel is an exploration of the plights faced by ordinary people during such times of deprivation, and their resilience when faced with the challenges of everyday life.
The Good Earth is considered a classic between Chinese and English readers, as it winning both the Pulitzer Prize and the Howells Medal and has been translated into more than sixty languages. It is a timeless story that speaks of tradition, survival, and the strength of the human spirit. Its universal themes of family, hope, and country will continue to inspire readers for many centuries to come.
