Women, Writing, and Love

Tonight I finished reading Peony in Love, by Lisa See. First of all, I have enjoyed the past couple of books written by this author. Second, I really enjoyed this particular selection and can't wait to share my thoughts.

The title gives the reader a small sneak peak into what so much of the story entails, yet it doesn't even begin to explain the many layers of what kind of person Peony is, what her story is and how love defines her life and what she learns about love. Not only is this book about Peony being in love, but it is about love in general.

One of my favorite quotes from this book actually comes from the "Author's Note" found after the story has officially ended. Lisa See writes: "All women on earth–and men too, for that matter–hope for the kind of love that transforms us, raises us up out of the everyday, and gives us courage to survive our little deaths; the heartache of unfulfilled dreams, of career and disappointments, of broken love affairs." How true the statement rings to my ears. Love can become a type of hope or faith that bridges the disappointments in life and helps to carry us forward; it provides encouragement to endure.

Perhaps best of all, this story doesn't just speak of the love between a man and a woman, but Peony's tale helps the reader recognize all of the different relationships we find and build throughout, and after, our lives. This book especially spoke to me about the relationship between women. So many  relationships are found between women. These relationships we share from one woman to another help build us into the women we are. The men are important too–yes–but there is something deep about a good relationship between another female, whether it be mother, sister, grandmother, aunt or dearest friend; the ties, the threads of kinship run deep and this story portrays those types of relationships well.

The story also highlights the importance of education, especially reading and writing. Even in an age when women were practically discouraged from having original thoughts, many women pushed for excellence and individuality. I found it inspiring. Like me, the main character, Peony, enjoys contemplating and expounding on the literature she reads. She's an early example of a English major! I know how important it is to thoughtfully ponder what we read and it is a wonderful habit to write down those thoughts. If all else fails, keep a journal so you'll remember the inspiration that comes from things you read, plus the loved ones who follow will have the chance to get to know the type of person you were, what your thoughts were and what you liked to read and how you educated yourself. I kept thinking that this selection should be a Wellesley book; my thoughts continued to drift to the many amazing and strong, thoughtful and brilliant women I met at Wellesley. That school fosters many who thirst for knowledge. Peony seemed to thrive for education and self-improvement.

Lastly, the book spoke to me of legacy. The importance of family, especially one's ancestors drives this tale. The culture portrayed in the book venerates and pays great respect to their ancestors. My own culture speaks often of "turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). Geneology is of great importance in my own religion. I love learning about my ancestors and hope that I glean all of their good traits and learn from their mistakes.

I'm glad I read this book. I have meant to read it for quite some time. I love books that make you feel a better person for reading them. I feel enlightened and encouraged. Who could ask for more?