The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
(House of Earth #1)
357 pages / 10 hrs, 57 mins

"This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall.

"Hard times come upon Wang Lung and his family when flood and drought force them to seek work in the city. The working people riot, breaking into the homes of the rich and forcing them to flee. When Wang Lung shows mercy to one noble and is rewarded, he begins to rise in the world, even as the House of Hwang falls."  --from the publisher

It would seem this is an accurate commentary on life in China during this time period since it won a Pulitzer Prize.  The descriptions of culture and customs are rich and realistic.  Buck also outlines the social and emotional snares that are universal to the human race.  I don't know how I missed reading it in my school years, but I'm glad I finally took the time to experience this classic.