Peony in Love

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Janet Song

Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

"I finally understand what the poets have written. In spring, moved to passion; in autumn only regret."

For young Peony, betrothed to a suitor she has never met, these lyrics from The Peony Pavilion mirror her own longings. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, amid the scent of ginger, green tea, and jasmine, a small theatrical troupe is performing scenes from this epic opera, a live spectacle few females have ever seen. Like the heroine in the drama, Peony is the cloistered daughter of a wealthy family, trapped like a good-luck cricket in a bamboo-and-lacquer cage. Though raised to be obedient, Peony has dreams of her own.

Peony's mother is against her daughter's attending the production: "Unmarried girls should not be seen in public". But Peony's father assures his wife that proprieties will be maintained, and that the women will watch the opera from behind a screen. Yet through its cracks, Peony catches sight of an elegant, handsome man with hair as black as a cave and is immediately overcome with emotion.

So begins Peony's unforgettable journey of love and destiny, desire and sorrow as Lisa See's haunting novel, based on actual historical events, takes readers back to 17th-century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed.

Steeped in traditions and ritual, this story brings to life another time and place, and even the intricate realm of the afterworld, with its protocols, pathways, and stages of existence, a vividly imagined place where one's soul is divided into three, ancestors offer guidance, misdeeds are punished, and hungry ghosts wander the earth.

Immersed in the richness and magic of the Chinese vision of the afterlife, transcending even death, Peony in Love explores, beautifully, the many manifestations of love. Ultimately, Lisa See's new novel addresses universal themes: the bonds of friendship, the power of words, and the age-old desire of women to be heard.

©2007 Lisa See (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A complex period tapestry inscribed with the age-old tragedy of love and death.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Electrifying... a fascinating and often surprising story of women helping women, women hurting women and women misunderstanding each other.” (The Miami Herald)

“See mines an intriguing vein of Chinese history... weaving fact and fiction into a dense romantic tapestry of time and place as she meditates on the meaning of love, the necessity of self-expression and the influence of art.” (Los Angeles Times)

Well-written, beautifully read

Although tough to stick with at points, I'm glad I stayed through the end. This book is beautifully written and read perfectly, rich in detail and well-researched and constructed. So much of what I already knew of Chinese culture was put into context in a way that made it real for me. I wish I had heard the author's notes before I heard the book, however, because I know I would have appreciated it more had I realized as I was listening that it was a work of historical fiction that was actually based in fact, even though it would have given some of the story away. In any case, the characters have stayed with me - a sure sign of a good "read."

Not what I was expecting

This was an amazing story. What even makes it more interesting is the authors note at the end, so make sure you listen to it!

a lot of fun

this was a really fun listen; the narration is quite good and the story is a pleasure. a superb bit of light but interesting fiction.

peony in love

Very good. well written and well read. Tells the life a Chinese girl moving towards womanhood and includes customs of that period.

love this wonderful tale!

it waa buried in my audible library for a few years and resurrected it last week. oh my! I forgot how beautiful this story is!! It's a must listen!

Another amazing story!

Another perfectly amazing story that sucks you in and keeps you riveted to the last word.

Struggled to finish

Love Janet Song as a narrator. If I was reading this on my own I'm not sure I would've finished it but her voice is lovely and although, it took a while to finish, I'm glad I did.

Pretty Good!

Like Lisa See’s other works, this story is rich in historical detail and paints a vivid picture of life in China. This story takes a fantastical turn about halfway through, however, and is difficult to predict the outcome. I enjoyed most of the story despite the seemingly meandering plot.

Moving

Narration was great.
& the story was incredibly moving.
It's most definitely worth the credit.

Gorgeous Cultural Story

Bringing a beautiful rendition of a love story set in the time of the Manchu Dynasty of seventeenth-century China, 'Peony in Love' is overflowing with culture, character, and poetry.

In the audiobook version, the reader brings a delicate balance between the dialog and internal monologue of the character telling the tale - Peony herself, who has fallen in love to a man she saw against all rules and tradition, even though she is bound to someone else. Peony's tale is full of woe and love, and told with a supernatural flair that reminded me of 'The Lovely Bones,' only set in another time and place, and had the depth of culture of 'Memoirs of a Geisha.'

The book is heavy with history, the pressure and oppression placed on women in the time period, and a truly selfless kind of love story that left me smiling, even amidst the seemingly endless despair.

The Author's Notes are very worthy as well - listen to them and you'll see just how much of See's book was based on historical evidence, and you'll likely gain new respect for the author, as I did, for the efforts she undertook.

All in all, an extremely worthwhile listening experience.