In the heart of rural China, a humble farmer named Wang Lung works tirelessly on the land he inherited from his father. The story begins with his marriage to O-Lan, a slave of the wealthy landowner, who becomes his loyal wife and companion. As Wang Lung and O-Lan strive to cultivate their small plot of land, prosperity seems to smile upon them as their hard work begins to bear fruit. The couple manages to accumulate wealth and, with it, gain entry into the elite of society.
However, Wang Lung's fortune also awakens his worst instincts and distances him from his humble roots. Greed transforms him into a man obsessed with status, as he becomes estranged from the land that witnessed his birth and prosperity. As the seasons change and social struggles intensify, the family's life becomes even more complicated with the arrival of famine and political oppression.
Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and a poignant portrayal of the struggle between tradition and modernity, the story explores the cost of unbridled ambition. Ultimately, Wang Lung must confront his decisions and rediscover the value of the land, family, and purpose that once guided him, as he faces both loss and hope in a changing world.