Nine Cloud Dream

The Nine Cloud Dream is a classic Korean fiction novel that explores the illusions of human life and the question of whether the life we dream of will truly make us happy. Set in 9th-century Tang China, the novel follows a young monk who is reincarnated as the most ideal of men and encounters the eight fairies in human form. Through his journey, he comes to comprehend the fundamental truth of the Buddha's wisdom: that reality and dreams are ultimately indistinguishable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A captivating Buddhist journey reminiscent of Dante's Inferno, this profound work explores the illusions of human life. Presented here in its first new translation in forty years, it is widely regarded as the pinnacle of classic Korean fiction. The Nine Cloud Dream raises an essential question: will the life we dream of truly bring us happiness? Set in 9th-century Tang China, this historical novel unfolds a wondrous tale. A young monk residing on a sacred Lotus Peak succumbs to the allure of eight fairy maidens, leading to his punishment of reincarnation as the epitome of masculinity. Along his transformative journey, he encounters the eight fairies in human form, each imparting valuable insights into the fleeting nature of his good fortune. As his successes mount, he draws closer to comprehending a fundamental truth articulated by the Buddha: that reality and dreams are ultimately indistinguishable.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 178 x 139 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780143131274