"Peony in Love" is a historical novel by Lisa See that delves into the life of a young Chinese girl named Peony during the dramatic changes of the 17th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Ming Dynasty and explores themes of love, loss, and the societal expectations of women. Peony is torn between her duty and her desires, ultimately finding herself in a deep romantic entanglement that defies the norms of her time, leading to challenging consequences.
The narrative unfolds as Peony falls in love with a man she can never be with, which complicates her life and leads her to explore the world of Chinese opera, a significant cultural aspect of that era. This exploration of love and art provides a rich context to understand her character's struggles and aspirations. Peony's journey is marked by her internal conflict as she navigates the restrictive society around her.