A novel set in WWII Burma about a tragic ChineseâEnglish alliance from the New York Timesâbestselling author of Dragon Seed and The Good Earth. Burma is under attack from the Japanese army, and a unit of Chinese soldiers is sent to aid endangered British forces trapped behind enemy lines. Chinaâs assistance hinges on a promise: In return, the Allies will supply China with airplanes and military equipment, much needed to protect their own civilian population. But the troopsâincluding a young commander named Lao San, whom Buck fans will remember from Dragon Seedâare met with ingratitude on both sides. The Burmese deplore any friend of their abusive colonizers, and the prejudiced British soldiers canât bring themselves to treat the Chinese as true allies. As the threat of disaster looms and the stakes grow higher, the relations between the British and Chinese troops become ever more fraught. Â A trenchant critique of colonialism and wartime betrayal, The Promise is Buck at her evocative best. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the authorâs estate.
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