A House Divided

The House of Earth Trilogy, Book 3

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The conclusion to Buck's celebrated Good Earth trilogy: the story of a man's return to a homeland embroiled in revolution.

On the eve of a popular rebellion, the Chinese government starts to crack down in cities across the country. Fleeing the turmoil, Wang Yuan, the son of a famous general and grandson of the patriarch of The Good Earth, leaves for America to study agriculture. When he returns to China six years later, he encounters a nation still in the grip of violent uprisings. Unprepared for the social upheaval, Wang is torn by the tensions between old traditions and new ways and by his formidable family, whose struggles he hopes to solve.

A reflective finale to Buck's groundbreaking and best-selling trilogy, A House Divided is a rich and unforgettable portrait of a family - and a nation - in transition.

Public Domain (P)2010 Oasis Audo

Beautiful story of a forgotten time

I listened to this book because it was the third the trilogy and I wanted to complete the set. The first book, The Good Earth, was excellent. The second was not nearly as good. This was as good as the first in my opinion. The author spent more time, as in the first book, developing the main character, Yuan. It showed him in his strengths and his flaws, and in his character as he matured into a man. The narrator has a calm way of delivering the narrative that I found very enjoyable and that worked well with the manner of speech which is not used today. If you enjoyed The Good Earth, I highly recommend this third book in the trilogy.

Fantastic!

What a fantastic way to end off the trilogy! The story led to new and exciting places; exploring politics, religion, nationalism, racism and many other topics in an enlightening way.

The clear and insightful narrative of Pearl Buck !

The ending gave only a small hint of all that was to develop in China as a communist nation.

A great series

Can’t wait for the next book. Every book graduated to each generation. I liked it because it showed their differences and their changes in life.

You do not get better than Buck!

Magical, elegant, gritty, savage, sublime. I first read, The Big Wave in elementary school and was enchanted by the beauty and adventure of as children are like to be. If you adore Pearl Buck- give a copy of, The Big Wave to a child. It is a gift which will give to them the rest of their life. I have been reading Buck for over 60 years and I am constantly beguiled by the majesty and insightfulness of her work, (which is one of the few enchantments left to my age)

Denouement of a family saga

In her usual, lyrical prose, Buck winds up the fate of the Wang family against the backdrop of China’s turbulent years before 1949. Whilst strangely choosing to omit all place names and event details, she paints a grim picture of the life of the poor and a disapproving account of the rich, and of foreigners still resident there.

A bit long in parts (especially in the chapters dedicated to the hero's relationship with a local woman in the putative USA - 😵very boring), the book remained enjoyable and was very well performed. Paints a realistic picture of the old China.

It was everything I hoped it would be

The entire series was absolutely amazing. I believe everyone should read these books, they changed my outlook on the world. Beautiful stories, so full of humanity.

GREAT BOOK BY A GREAT AUTHOR.

One of the best books ever written by one of the truly great authors. Enjoy!

A perfect ending

A House Divided tells a more personal story than its predecessors, yet still expands the scope of the story. It continues the beautifully minimalist style of writing, and brings a perfect, satisfying end to the trilogy.

The narration by Verner is delightful and brings the story and characters to life.

A look into the hearts and minds of the Chinese before communism.

Excellent read for anyone searching within themselves for their future and questions about their past.