This book narrates conflicts of the revolutionary I-wan with his wife and father, and it takes place in China, during the late 1920s. The protagonist, wishing to improve the life for the poor and to change the social form of the Chinese Republic at the time, has joined the secret band. Organizing revolutionary events, strikes and spreading what is called “inappropriate propaganda,” he opposes his grandfather, who is a general of the corrupt government. As his revolutionist identity is revealed, he is sent to Japan by his father. Patriotism has driven him back to China, even after having a family with two children in Japan.
    This is fast-paced and exciting book, yet easy to read. Buck has depicted the hopelessness of the poor and lavishness the rich, leading readers to think deeply about society, even nowadays. Narrating the slave Peony’s changes along the story, she touches upon the concepts of human rights and slavery. Deciding between a family member’s roles and a citizen’s roles is the main theme of the book. On one hand, it is I-wan’s motherland’s fate, and on the other hand, it is being an ordinary obedient son or a responsible husband and father; twice, he has chosen to be with the country. Moreover, another historical pattern is shown by this book: desperate people overthrowing the autocratic government.

Reviewed by Isabella H.