PEARL BUCK IN CHINA Journey to The Good Earth

Hilary Spurling's biography follows the author of THE GOOD EARTH from her early childhood in a missionary family in China to her eventual fame as a writer. Spurling reads her book with an elegant British voice that gives it a scholarly feel. The even tones of her voice at times downplay the emotions of Buck's failing marriage and the controversy surrounding her works. Spurling's narration is strongest as she reveals the influences on Buck's writing, both in stories of Chinese heroines such as Mulan and in the author's own life. Buck's life is fascinating, even when Spurling's dry narration and emphasis on Buck's literary works don't do it full justice. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2010]