The Good Earth

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize Winner, Novel 1932

This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic 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.

©1958 Pearl S. Buck (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"A beautiful, beautiful book. At last we read, in the pages of a novel, of the real people of China." ( Saturday Review)
" The Good Earth has style, power, coherence and a pervasive sense of dramatic reality." ( New York Times Book Review)
"To read this story of Wang Lung is to be slowly and deeply purified; and when the last page is finished it is as if some significant part of one's own days were over." ( Bookman)

Better than reading it yourself!

This story captures the escense of human nature in its raw and natural state. The connection between the earth and man is beautifully described in this endearing and unashamedly truthful story. A must read for older children and adults who think their lives are troubled. Human Nature narated. The reader does a fantastic job!

My favorite book brought to life

I've loved this book since I first read it for a book report in middle school. Different parts speak to me or are seen in different ways during each reading, depending on my own life experiences.

Classic!

I knew the story from the very old movie I found on the movie channel, but to read the book version brought a whole new appreciation for Buck's story. Masterful! The performance of the book is the best that I've heard. Bravo!

Enriching Historic Read

Where does The Good Earth rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Good Earth ranks a a five star rating. It is as good a read s it was when I first read it in the 1950's.Timeless, It will continue to be a great read. This audio book adds a new dimension so that is becomes a five star listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There was no favorite for me. Each had its own place in telling of the story as it unfolded. Many do not even have names, but clearly stand out when they play a part.

What about Anthony Heald’s performance did you like?

Great reader. Held my attention never faultering.

If you could take any character from The Good Earth out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The hero's first "woman" as she was referred to in the book. She needed more loving attention. He only realized that too late!

Any additional comments?

This book as a classic should be on the book shelf of every reader. The audio book adds a new dimesion to the literature and should have a special place beside the hard cover copy. Twinning them will make a wonderful reading afternoon.

I know this is a classic

I could completely identify with all the characters. painful. uplifting. hopeful. depressing. love filled

An easy listen about a disturbing past

Anthony Heald does a wonderful job narrating this very enjoyable but also disturbing generational saga, in which the seasons and the events of China’s early-mid 20th century history form the backdrop for a story about the rise and rise of a poor farming family in Anhui. The disturbing elements are the book's depiction of the status of women, even daughters, and the poor as chattels to be bought and sold. And the lack of emotion in the relationships, although this is not uncommon in stories where concerns about survival dominate, and love is secondary to practical concerns like strength, kindness and a dowry. Most relationships in the book are described dispassionately and the story evolves quickly. Think Pachingko without the emotion.

Buck is an observer rather than a commentator, this is no morality tale and there's no sign of indignity or anger in the writing, which is surprising to a modern reader but not that different to how I feel reading Maugham now. But Maugham has better insight, or at least is more willing to express it. It's not even clear that Buck hadn't bought into the status quo, notwithstanding what is happening around the characters who populate the story. There is zero commentary on China's revolution, except as a threat to the rich and an opportunity for the poor.

The redeeming elements are the lyrical pace and realistic observations of the relationships between the classes and family members, and the slightly evolving social norms. Also the hearkening back to a simpler life, where the vagaries of the weather and the rhythm of manual farming and trade dominate the lives of all but a very lucky few. The book is an easy and pleasant listen and certainly kept my interest up. I finished it in two days and as the other two in the trilogy are free for premium members of this app I look forward to reading them too.

I Love This Reader!

This is a wonderful book anyway, but it's old, so though I have been wanting to read it again, I put off doing it because it's a rather long book, and well, you know. Sometimes classics require an enthusiasm I don't always possess. This narrator, though? He brought the book to life and I love him! I am searching for more, hopefully Pearl S. Buck books, that I can hear by this reader!

very good book

This is still amthoroughly enjoyable book, a true depiction, albeit a novel, of the Chinese culture in times gone by. As the older generations have passed, and China has progressed (or digressed in some ways), a story such as this should be revered by younger generations. Narrated very well.

Outstanding!

This story is full of thrill! I highly recommend! I learned so much about ancient Chinese culture. The ethics are so relatable to today’s times and paints a beautiful picture of the highs and lows of life.

Couldn't have asked for a better narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Anyone who's ever read The Good Earth and loved it as I do, will be more than pleased with this audiobook.

Who was your favorite character and why?

O-Lan has always been my favorite character. Because she rarely spoke, she seemed to be unintelligent, but it was very often her quick thinking that saved Wang Lung and their family.

What does Anthony Heald bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Anthony Heald brought the book to life for me. I was a little reluctant to listen to the audio version because the book always drew me into Wang Lung's world. Heald's narration was beautifully suited to Pearl S. Buck's wonderful writing and also drew me in to that time and place..

If you could rename The Good Earth, what would you call it?

There isn't another name for it. Wang Lung was all about the land. He loved his land more than any person and from this Good Earth sprang the house he founded.

Any additional comments?

I know I'll listen to this audiobook again.