The promise

Rated: C+ ( )

The Promise continues the story from The Dragon Seed and I enjoyed reading it so much. Sheng and Mayli's love is put on hold yet again as they sacrifice all in order to fulfill their duty to their country. How can they enjoy happiness when all around them are struggling just to survive? When the orders are given by the Chairman that the best of the Chinese soldiers are to be sent to Burma to rescue the British and American troops trapped there, they all know that this is a suicidal mission. The outcome will not be good but the loyal soldiers go anyway, determined to give their all for China. Sheng, the favorite of the Chinese General is to lead his men on the march to Burma, and then into battle against the Japanese; Mayli, whom Sheng loves, is going also, in charge of the nurses who will care for the dying and wounded--but neither knows that they will both be involved in the same battle. The hopeless situation they both find themselves in, the struggle to survive in a jungle environment, and ultimately trying to determine what is best to do when all is lost and only a handful have remained alive is a story of courage and determination that few are willing to sacrifice for. You will have to read the story to discover how loyalty and love gives one strength they did not know they possessed.

If you love the writing of Pearl S. Buck, you will not be disappointed in this book. ( )