You may have read "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck (if you havn't, I highly recommend it.)

You might not have heard of some of her other novels. One such book, "Pavilion of Women", is almost life changing. It is subtle. It has an unmatched understanding and portrayal of human nature. Everyone I know who's read it has been affected by it.

I can't recommend "Pavilion of Women" enough - it was a magical experience to read it.