Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have read several versions of "The Dream of the Red Chamber", including the five-volume edition published by Penguin Classics ("The Story of the Stone"), and this version is by far the best. It's been out of print for several years and I'm delighted it's been reissued. It's concise, omits nothing of importance to the story, and it's a great read. "Red Chamber" is the story of the Chia clan, a large and very rich Mandarin family, racing headlong into financial and moral ruin, which is redeemed by the youngest son of the house, the spoiled and effeminate Pao Yu. Heading the family is the Princess Ancestress, one of the most arresting and interesting characters of any literature, able to stand up to and hold her own against anyone. Other strong figures in the family are Pao Yu's father, Chia Cheng, a stern, upright, moralistic individual, unable to see past his own nose, and his aunt Phoenix, too shrewd and clever for her own good, whose intrigues and double-dealing bring the house crashing down. The tale of ruin and redemption is an old one in Chinese literature, and "Red Chamber" relates it excellently, all the while giving us fascinating insights into Chinese life, culture and values. For anyone interested in things Chinese, or anyone who just appreciates a great book, this book is a must-read.
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