31 pages • 1 hour read
Jonathan SpenceThe Death of Woman Wang
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1978A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Death of Woman Wang by Jonathan Spence explores the hardships faced by people in 17th-century rural T’an-ch’eng, China, focusing on four crises: tax collection issues, a widow's struggle for her child's inheritance, a violent local feud, and the tragic attempt of a woman named Wang to escape her oppressive marriage, which ultimately leads to her death. This history, drawn from local records, sheds light on the marginalized and forgotten lives in a troubled era.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Death of Woman Wang by Jonathan Spence is lauded for its meticulous historical detail and vivid portrayal of 17th-century rural China. Readers appreciate the narrative's integration of historical records and literary elements. However, some critique the fragmented story structure, which can cause confusion. Overall, it offers an insightful yet occasionally disjointed exploration of the period.
Who Should Read The Death of Woman Wang?
Readers who appreciate meticulously researched historical narratives and cultural insights will enjoy Jonathan Spence's The Death of Woman Wang. Similar to fans of Peter Hessler's Oracle Bones or Barbara Tuchman's A Distant Mirror, they revel in detailed descriptions of past societies, particularly Late Imperial China.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Creative Nonfiction
Chinese Literature
Education
History: Asian
Education
History: World
Society: Politics & Government
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Identity: Gender