Book Review of Peony in Love

Peony in Love
By Lisa See
280 pages. Random House, c2007.
$13.79 (Costco)

Peony in Love is a beautiful work of historical fiction. Lisa See masterfully weaves seventeenth century Chinese life into a powerful love story.
Through the story I learned a great deal about Chinese beliefs, values, and customs. The love story is unique and mystifying. I could not predict what was to come on each page. I had so much fun being surprised!
The best feature of this novel, aside from the flowing melodic language, was the strong message of feminine power. The same women who tortured themselves to have perfect bound feet, used that determination to write and publish – during a time when women had not done so before. Remarkable!
I highly recommend this passionate and entertaining book.