What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rainbow
In her long and prolific writing career, Pearl S. Buck had intimate experience of the theater as well as of book and magazine publishing, as the author of two Broadway plays and a partner in a producing company. Her own knowledge provides the foundation for this witty and revealing novel of the theater. Probing beyond the masks behind which actors, directors, and others hide from their public, from each other, even from themselves, the author seeks and finds for us the human beings who populate this world within a world. The story is told through the eyes of one who comes on the scene as a stranger first to observe, then to participate, but he remains forever amazed. He is Henry Potter, a wealthy New York industrialist. Addicted to theatergoing, but disliking with growing intensity what seems to him drivel on the stage, he determines to back a play of his own choosing. The decision takes over his life like a devouring monster, involving him with individuals who both fascinate and repel him. The triangle of Elena, the amoral star of the play; Aubrey, the young director; and Stella, Aubrey's wife, enmeshes him almost beyond escape.
- GenresFiction
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
3 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Pearl S. Buck
790 books3,062 followersPearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck was an American writer and novelist. She is best known for The Good Earth, the best-selling novel in the United States in 1931 and 1932 and which won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1932. In 1938, Buck became the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature "for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China" and for her "masterpieces", two memoir-biographies of her missionary parents.
Buck was born in West Virginia, but in October 1892, her parents took their 4-month-old baby to China. As the daughter of missionaries and later as a missionary herself, Buck spent most of her life before 1934 in Zhenjiang, with her parents, and in Nanjing, with her first husband. She and her parents spent their summers in a villa in Kuling, Mount Lu, Jiujiang, and it was during this annual pilgrimage that the young girl decided to become a writer. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia, then returned to China. From 1914 to 1932, after marrying John Lossing Buck she served as a Presbyterian missionary, but she came to doubt the need for foreign missions. Her views became controversial during the Fundamentalist–Modernist controversy, leading to her resignation. After returning to the United States in 1935, she married the publisher Richard J. Walsh and continued writing prolifically. She became an activist and prominent advocate of the rights of women and racial equality, and wrote widely on Chinese and Asian cultures, becoming particularly well known for her efforts on behalf of Asian and mixed-race adoption.
Buck was born in West Virginia, but in October 1892, her parents took their 4-month-old baby to China. As the daughter of missionaries and later as a missionary herself, Buck spent most of her life before 1934 in Zhenjiang, with her parents, and in Nanjing, with her first husband. She and her parents spent their summers in a villa in Kuling, Mount Lu, Jiujiang, and it was during this annual pilgrimage that the young girl decided to become a writer. She graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia, then returned to China. From 1914 to 1932, after marrying John Lossing Buck she served as a Presbyterian missionary, but she came to doubt the need for foreign missions. Her views became controversial during the Fundamentalist–Modernist controversy, leading to her resignation. After returning to the United States in 1935, she married the publisher Richard J. Walsh and continued writing prolifically. She became an activist and prominent advocate of the rights of women and racial equality, and wrote widely on Chinese and Asian cultures, becoming particularly well known for her efforts on behalf of Asian and mixed-race adoption.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 22, 2019
I found it in a hotel library and read it over night, because I liked the basic idea of a person bored of their life and trying something completely different. I guess there were some cliches in the story, especially regarding women (sitting at home, doing nothing, caring only abour their hair and style) - but then again... I didn‘t find it very annoying, either. A nice quick read to gain some impression of what other people do when they get stuck in the pond of boredom. Write a novel maybe? ;)
June 2, 2016
Apparently, Pearl S. Buck was an incredible snob, if The Rainbow and Voices in the House are any indication. She really looks down her nose on actors, directors and other creative types. Oh, and people who are not rich.
The main character keeps making profound discoveries -- and then keeps changing his mind about these discoveries. It's not worth keeping up with the changes.
And there was a mystifying bedroom scene where I have no idea if sex in any way was involved. Just a man, a woman in a bed and a bedroom. And a lot of navel-gazing. Seems that so crucial a plot point should be clear. Anyway, this is a good paperback to read when you are trying to get drowsy so you can go to sleep. Otherwise, steer clear of it.
The main character keeps making profound discoveries -- and then keeps changing his mind about these discoveries. It's not worth keeping up with the changes.
And there was a mystifying bedroom scene where I have no idea if sex in any way was involved. Just a man, a woman in a bed and a bedroom. And a lot of navel-gazing. Seems that so crucial a plot point should be clear. Anyway, this is a good paperback to read when you are trying to get drowsy so you can go to sleep. Otherwise, steer clear of it.
June 4, 2018
from the dust cover:
"In her long and prolific writing career, Pearl S. Buck had intimate experience of the theater as well as of book and magazine publishing, as the author of two Broadway plays and a partner in a producing company. Her own knowledge provides the foundation for this witty and revealing novel of the theater.
Probing beyond the masks behind which actors, directors, and others hide from their public, from each other, even from themselves, the author seeks and finds for us the human beings who populate this world within a world. The story is told through the eyes of one who comes on the scene as a stranger first to observe, then to participate, but he remains forever amazed. He is Henry Potter, a wealthy New York industrialist. Addicted to theatergoing, but disliking with growing intensity what seems to him drivel on the stage, he determines to back a play of his own choosing. The decision takes over his life like a devouring monster, involving him with individuals who both fascinate and repel him. The triangle of Elena, the amoral star of the play; Aubrey, the young director; and Stella, Aubrey's wife, enmeshes him almost beyond escape."
"In her long and prolific writing career, Pearl S. Buck had intimate experience of the theater as well as of book and magazine publishing, as the author of two Broadway plays and a partner in a producing company. Her own knowledge provides the foundation for this witty and revealing novel of the theater.
Probing beyond the masks behind which actors, directors, and others hide from their public, from each other, even from themselves, the author seeks and finds for us the human beings who populate this world within a world. The story is told through the eyes of one who comes on the scene as a stranger first to observe, then to participate, but he remains forever amazed. He is Henry Potter, a wealthy New York industrialist. Addicted to theatergoing, but disliking with growing intensity what seems to him drivel on the stage, he determines to back a play of his own choosing. The decision takes over his life like a devouring monster, involving him with individuals who both fascinate and repel him. The triangle of Elena, the amoral star of the play; Aubrey, the young director; and Stella, Aubrey's wife, enmeshes him almost beyond escape."
October 9, 2013
If you liked Good Earth or for that matter, any book by Pearl Buck, you will find that this is completely different in tone and subject matter. If you aside your preconceptions about what a Pearl Buck should be, you might find that there's much to appreciate here. I remember coming across this book in the library and wondering what it was about. First off, it takes place in America (versus her other books that mostly take place in Asia) and she draws on her experience as the author of two Broadway plays. I found it a fascinating read, detailing her thoughts on Broadway, show business, and entertainment. In that sense, I really enjoyed it, even if I didn't find it as satisfying or tight as some of her other books. It made me really want to know more about Broadway and the stories behind her story. It's not for everyone and while I was not enamored with the ending, it was still an interesting read considering this was her last book (aside from the new one coming out in 2013).
August 5, 2010
If you like Pearl Buck, I am afraid you just might stop liking her that much after reading this novel.
October 6, 2025
4 ☆
I'm surprised this one is rated so low! I've heard this novel is quite different from her other works, so maybe the Pearl Buck fans just don't appreciate the deviation?
There are several unpopular attitudes/beliefs for today's age and at least one very upsetting scene that could contribute to this book being disliked. But this story has overall complex/compelling characters, a great setting and a solid plot. The writing itself could be a little tighter, but I think this story is the appropriate length. Additionally, the ending was a bit flat and rushed to me.
I'm honestly surprised this novel doesn't have more reviews and ratings, positive or not. "The Rainbow" would make for an excellent book club discussion if you have a group that wants to read classic literature. There is just so much to analyze!
I'm surprised this one is rated so low! I've heard this novel is quite different from her other works, so maybe the Pearl Buck fans just don't appreciate the deviation?
There are several unpopular attitudes/beliefs for today's age and at least one very upsetting scene that could contribute to this book being disliked. But this story has overall complex/compelling characters, a great setting and a solid plot. The writing itself could be a little tighter, but I think this story is the appropriate length. Additionally, the ending was a bit flat and rushed to me.
I'm honestly surprised this novel doesn't have more reviews and ratings, positive or not. "The Rainbow" would make for an excellent book club discussion if you have a group that wants to read classic literature. There is just so much to analyze!
April 26, 2020
It was ok. I loved The Good Earth for the portrayal of a world totally unknown to me and the complicated characters ect. This is a deep look into the world of theater which I also know little about and it was interesting to think about what the creators of a play go through. The shows I've been I've always just taken at face value. The story just doesn't capture the same way as the Good Earth does. The characters are harder to connect to maybe because they're very self absorbed. Not that everything a writer writes should be compared to their other works, but this one's story is just not very enthralling.
December 12, 2022
My first book by Buck was "The Mother". A subtle, subdued story about a family and what happens when there are no options. I really enjoyed that book. This one is as far from that as you can get. Tiresome and clichéd, it's like the characters are deliberately trying to not make sense and be completely unappealing. The only reason it gets two stars instead of one is because I actually managed to finish it, even if only out of a sense of duty.
December 2, 2019
a drag. This is a character study that leaves many loose ends and an overall unsatisfactory feeling. The views on women are dated and yet one of the main driving factors of the plot. It can be cute and insightful for those of us in the theatre. If you want to read Pearl Buck I recommend skipping this one altogether and starting with the Good Earth instead.
December 24, 2019
Nama tokohnya Henry Potter!
Duh kenapa saya langsung teringat pada kisah satunya.
Entah kenapa, saya kurang merasakan aura penulis dalam buku ini. Ciri khas Pearl S. Buck seakan tak muncul dalam kisah ini. Semoga saya yang salah.
Duh kenapa saya langsung teringat pada kisah satunya.
Entah kenapa, saya kurang merasakan aura penulis dalam buku ini. Ciri khas Pearl S. Buck seakan tak muncul dalam kisah ini. Semoga saya yang salah.
May 9, 2023
Love Pearl buck!!
October 12, 2024
Yeah I get why most people don't seem to like this one.
August 1, 2025
Caricature drôle et touchante qui se perd un peu en chemin mais reste tout du long une critique pertinente et originale.
Dans ces très grandes lignes, "L'Arc en Ciel" pourrait paraître un peu banale. Un homme riche qui s'ennuie, détaché du monde réel, se découvre une passion inattendue pour un milieu artistique qu'il intègre avec une grande maladresse mais découvre l'humanité des locaux si éloignés de lui au premier abord. Soit. Pour autant, la réalisation de Peal S. Buck est plus mordante que ce simple résumé. Plus taquine et surprenante, elle n'offre jamais de réelle rédemption à qui que ce soit et prend un malin plaisir à mettre en lumière la manipulation de chacun, et aussi leur bêtise. On sent plutôt bien le recul pris pour écrire ces personnages, en particulier à travers les dialogues. Leur théâtralité leur permet d'être à la fois très vifs, et donc immersifs ; mais elle met aussi en avant l'artificilité de ces échanges, les masques de chacun. Pour autant, cet effet n'affecte pas celles et ceux étrangers au monde du théâtre, et on comprend ainsi la plus grande sincérité de Stella, Ethel, le majordome ou la secrétaire, ce qui leur confère d'une certaine façon une supériorité morale -qui ne les sauve de rien pour autant. Ce jeu est symptomatique de la dimension profondément ludique de l'ouvrage : je me suis personnellement beaucoup amusé'e en le lisant!
Pour autant, ces outils et pirouettes narratives ne sont peut-être pas assez exploités ou explicités au de là de mon exemple précédant, car j'ai par la suite trouvé les intentions de l'autrice moins nettes. Son positionnement flou m'a parfois dérangé, et je n'ai su que faire de son traitement plutôt cruel des personnages féminins. J'aurais sans doute préféré une critique plus acerbe.
3,5/5
Dans ces très grandes lignes, "L'Arc en Ciel" pourrait paraître un peu banale. Un homme riche qui s'ennuie, détaché du monde réel, se découvre une passion inattendue pour un milieu artistique qu'il intègre avec une grande maladresse mais découvre l'humanité des locaux si éloignés de lui au premier abord. Soit. Pour autant, la réalisation de Peal S. Buck est plus mordante que ce simple résumé. Plus taquine et surprenante, elle n'offre jamais de réelle rédemption à qui que ce soit et prend un malin plaisir à mettre en lumière la manipulation de chacun, et aussi leur bêtise. On sent plutôt bien le recul pris pour écrire ces personnages, en particulier à travers les dialogues. Leur théâtralité leur permet d'être à la fois très vifs, et donc immersifs ; mais elle met aussi en avant l'artificilité de ces échanges, les masques de chacun. Pour autant, cet effet n'affecte pas celles et ceux étrangers au monde du théâtre, et on comprend ainsi la plus grande sincérité de Stella, Ethel, le majordome ou la secrétaire, ce qui leur confère d'une certaine façon une supériorité morale -qui ne les sauve de rien pour autant. Ce jeu est symptomatique de la dimension profondément ludique de l'ouvrage : je me suis personnellement beaucoup amusé'e en le lisant!
Pour autant, ces outils et pirouettes narratives ne sont peut-être pas assez exploités ou explicités au de là de mon exemple précédant, car j'ai par la suite trouvé les intentions de l'autrice moins nettes. Son positionnement flou m'a parfois dérangé, et je n'ai su que faire de son traitement plutôt cruel des personnages féminins. J'aurais sans doute préféré une critique plus acerbe.
3,5/5
October 2, 2015
A bore. I have decided that if Pearl Buck did indeed author the books released in her name after her return to the states , then she DID NOT author those books released during her time in China. I read that she had translated a very old Chinese novel , taking several years to do so. I do think she wrote THE GOOD EARTH but the others released while she was in china were so EXCELLANT , nothing like the trash released after her return to America. Of course we all change when we grow older, so who knows.
July 27, 2016
In an attempt to continue reading all the classics on my bookshelf, I
picked up this one by Pearl S. Buck. It was my least favorite of her
works, however. Henry Potter is a rich man turning 50...old and bored.
The book involves adultery, etc. I don't recommend it.
picked up this one by Pearl S. Buck. It was my least favorite of her
works, however. Henry Potter is a rich man turning 50...old and bored.
The book involves adultery, etc. I don't recommend it.
April 9, 2015
If I didn't know the author, I never would guess it was Pearl S. Buck. The quality of writing was fine, but it contained an unexpected cheesy feel of 50's fiction.
January 21, 2016
This book starts out well, and the characters are decent, but the resolution is awful. As light fiction it is good, but it is not one of Buck's best novels.
March 26, 2017
Henry Potter, a rich business man, is frustrated by the poor quality of the plays in Broadway and decides to finance one of his own. By doing so, he is dragged in the world of actors and directors through what is a mid-life crisis.
The story has a good rhythm and the dialogues keep the reader go on. The main character is hard to connect with: while his idea of life seems to have solid foundations, those same foundations are rooted in a world of opulent snobbery and sexist attitude (which might come from the author herself, considering some statements from the female characters).
Ethel, the absent wife, although drawn in only very few scenes, emerges as the strongest and most pleasant character.
The ending a la "happily ever after" is weak.
The story has a good rhythm and the dialogues keep the reader go on. The main character is hard to connect with: while his idea of life seems to have solid foundations, those same foundations are rooted in a world of opulent snobbery and sexist attitude (which might come from the author herself, considering some statements from the female characters).
Ethel, the absent wife, although drawn in only very few scenes, emerges as the strongest and most pleasant character.
The ending a la "happily ever after" is weak.
June 25, 2017
I love her writing style, i just can't get into the stories or the characters.
I remember reading The Pearl in school and liking it so maybe I don't remember it correctly or her other books are just so different i cant get past that.
I remember reading The Pearl in school and liking it so maybe I don't remember it correctly or her other books are just so different i cant get past that.
October 3, 2018
Ausgabe Bertelsmann Hardcover
Sammlung
Sammlung
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews