Peony In Love is a historical novel by Lisa See, published in 2007. The story is set in 17th century China and follows the life of a young woman named Peony, who is in love with a young man named Ren, but is betrothed to another.
Peony is deeply interested in opera and secretly begins to perform in a local theater. While watching a performance, she falls ill and dies, but her spirit becomes trapped in the world of the living, unable to move on to the afterlife.
As a ghost, Peony observes the lives of her family and friends, including Ren, whom she continues to love. She learns about the customs and traditions of her time, and discovers the secret women's writing called "nu shu".
Peony In Love explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the role of women in Chinese society. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Chinese women during a time when they were expected to conform to strict social norms.
The novel has been well received for its richly detailed and immersive portrayal of Chinese history and culture. It has been translated into numerous languages and has won several awards, including the Booklist Editor's Choice Award and the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award.
0