Dream of the Red Chamber

Dream of the Red Chamber is a renowned Chinese classical novel, considered one of the greatest works of world literature. It tells the story of the Jia family and their rival branches, exploring themes of love, ambition, and the role of women in Chinese society. The novel is known for its epic scope, rich psychological characterizations, and insightful observations on family life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 992 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

"Dream of the Red Chamber" is widely considered to be one of the greatest novels in world literature, comparable to "Remembrance of Things Past" by Marcel Proust in France or "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky in Russia. This epic masterpiece, also known as "The Story of the Stone," is renowned for its vast scope, intricate psychological characterizations, and insightful observations on family life and the role of women in Chinese society. It is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature, alongside "Journey to the West," "The Water Margin," and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." "Dream of the Red Chamber" is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese classical literature and is considered one of the greatest works of world literature ever written.

The red chamber, a secluded area within affluent households where daughters were confined until marriage, symbolized a prison of dreams where true love withered. This sweeping tale unfolds within the lavish compounds of the wealthy Jia family, who reside in adjacent compounds surrounded by a lush, private garden. The story begins with the birth of Jia Baoyu, the heir apparent and beloved of the women in the Jia household. Baoyu, known for his free-thinking and idealistic nature, rebels against his stern father, who forbids him from pursuing a romantic relationship with Lin Daiyu, a headstrong and intelligent woman who shares his love for music and poetry. Instead, Baoyu is coerced into marrying Xue Baochai, another talented and beautiful woman, but one with whom he lacks an emotional connection. As the tragic story unfolds, the fates of the star-crossed lovers and their families intertwine, leading to a series of devastating consequences.

While "Dream of the Red Chamber" was written by a man, it is often regarded as one of the earliest masterpieces of women's literature. The author, Cao Xueqin, is believed to have crafted the novel as a tribute to the inspiring women he knew in his life. The novel's rich tapestry of characters, including the complex and nuanced portrayal of Jia Baoyu, Xue Baochai, and Lin Daiyu, has captivated readers for centuries, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 203 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780804856744