I am now reading Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth, a novel written in the 1930s about China, which talks about the life of a rural Chinese farmer amidst the upheavels of early 20th century China. Pearl Buck won the Pulitzer prize for this story, and eventually also the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Great story, great characterization. I am of Chinese lineage, but this book poignantly points out the inner thoughts of an ordinary farmer in early 20th century China, which amazingly is still relevant today. It will give a new look at Chinese culture and practices, many of which shows that popular conceptions and characterizations are probably somewhat ‘inaccurate’. A lot of this knowledge will be vital in understanding better the world’s most populous nation as it gears towards being a major force in the 21st century.

Much of the story of Wang Lung the farmer, also reads like a basic entrepreneur book ( although I am sure that it was furthest from the mind of Pearl when she wrote the story) — the main characters’ rise and fortunes was predominantly not only dependent on the ‘weather’ and ’social’ conditions, but on his ability to manage his family finances, adjust with the times, as well as manage his family.