- Author: Lisa See
- Genre: Historical fiction, love stories
- Pages: 304
- Setting: China, Ming Dynasty
- Subject headings: Chinese women, Operas, Happiness in women, expectations of young women, arranged marriages
If you were to ask me what is my favorite book of all time that I have enjoyed, I would say Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Why? Because I loved the historical aspects of the story, and the characters came alive on the page. I have gifted the book to so many of my friends. Anyway, Lisa See has given us another beautiful story in Peony in Love.
Peony, a dutiful 15-year-old daughter of a wealthy Chen family is quickly approaching the age of marriage. Her family has arranged for her to be married in a few short months. On a summer evening just months before her impending marriage, Peony wanders into the family garden and accidently comes upon a man. Peony has never been alone with a man, and while it is a beach of etiquette and could possibly disgrace her family it anyone were to find out, she stays and talks. They end up discussing many topics such as love, free will and the opera The Peony Pavilion. They agree to meet the next evening at the same place.
After several meetings, Peony realizes that she has fallen in love with the stranger and now cannot fathom the idea of marrying anyone else. She quickly descends into a dark place and becomes very depressed. She becomes Lovesick. The novel’s plot mirrors that of The Peony Pavilion Opera, where young lovesick maidens starve themselves as a revolt against expected norms.
This book is available at your public library.