Set in twentieth century China, this is a moving and evocative story. The older generation of the Wang family is rigidly set in the ways of ancient China: the father has several concubines and demands and receives unquestioned reverence from all of his family. But the family faces many changes that threatens both their traditions and their lives. This is Pearl Buck's first novel and begins developing themes she writes on throughout her work. It is very accomplished for a young writer and very insightful for those unfamiliar with social life in China.