Pavilion of Women

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

On her 40th birthday, Madame Wu carries out a decision she has been planning for a long time: she tells her husband that after 24 years their physical life together is now over and she wishes him to take a second wife. The House of Wu, one of the oldest and most revered in China, is thrown into an uproar by her decision, but Madame Wu will not be dissuaded and arranges for a young country girl to come take her place in bed.

Elegant and detached, Madame Wu orchestrates this change as she manages everything in the extended household of more than sixty relatives and servants. Alone in her own quarters, she relishes her freedom and reads books she has never been allowed to touch. When her son begins English lessons, she listens, and is soon learning from the "foreigner," a free-thinking priest named Brother Andre, who will change her life.

Pavilion of Women is a thought-provoking combination of Old China, unorthodox Christianity, and liberation, written by Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel Prize winner born and raised in China. Few stories raise so many questions about the nature and roles of men and women, about self-discipline and happiness. At the center is the amazing Madame Wu - brilliant, beautiful, full of contradictions and authority.

©1990 Pearl S. Buck (P)2011 Oasis Audio

Excellent! I discover a new perspective every time

What an insightful writer. A timeless period piece. Loved every word. I have read all of her books.

lovely story

l liked the story but not the narrator. most of the charatures were women and I did,nt feel that he embraced their differences, also he dragged in tempo.

Sublime! Ageless!

Pearl S Buck was a master of the narrative and this book simply will not age. It’s themes are eternal. Yet, so easy to love and enjoy.

I also Loved the performance of this audio book!

Not my favorite book by this author.

Narrator fit the main character which maybe was the problem. The writing just didnt have the same spark as the trilogy he wrote before. The main character wasnt really likeable and had very little feeling about much she just was. That being said I still liked and finished the book. I just wish the main character had more dimensions.

Love Immortal

An excellent book, worthy of reading and listening to! The depth of writing and the immortality of morals make it a serious study of the human nature.

Masterfully written

Exceptional narration of a strong story line that informs the reader of life and culture in turn of the century China. Characters are well developed.

A thinkers book.

The novel is quite lovely in its concepts and is wonderfully written.
The story, while somewhat slow moving for a twenty-first century audience is, nevertheless, captivating for readers looking for something to ponder. The two most salient questions that many of us ask ourselves are: Is there life after death? And what is love? These complex questions are discussed through the actions, dialogue, and thoughts of the main character in the story. one of the main characters , if not the main character, is Madam Wu. The reader sees the change in thought through her actions, and discussions with her husband and three son along with their wives .
But I would argue the protagonist is actually Brother Andrew, the foreign priest that comes to the gate of the Wu residents as an applicant to teach the Wu's youngest son. At the very least he holds the place of the second most important character since he is the instrument that puts into motion those thoughts which calls into question some of the old, traditions of centuries past.

A Book for Thoughtful People

I’ve read everything I can get my hands on by Pearl Buck, and this is my favorite. The philosophical lessons about human nature, love, and family are profound, and I learn something new each time I listen. I feel myself learning right along with Madam Wu.

the love found

the description of the characters were perfect. I liked the explanation of their culture. very interesting

Not as good as expected

Interesting insight into the rural high class pre-revolution China, both in their every day lives and their strict cultural structure.
Started confusing but engaging, getting to know the different characters and personalities.
Madame Wu started as a wise, kind head of the household, only to turn into an overly exaggerated fountain of goodness and wisdom. Could not understand the origin of such deep love for Andre, considering the limited time the novel puts them together. Andre is another over the top wise and generous soul. Her constant thoughts of him ended up boring me and couldn't wait for the book to end.
The narration was fine, but I might have enjoyed it more narrated by a woman.