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nextpageplease's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
dramaqueenv's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atelierofbooks's review
3.0
If you were ever under the misapprehension that classic Chinese lit is all ponderous or meditative, flip through this brick and marvel at how much sex, incest, infidelity, bribery, corruption, and overall scandal there is. And some of it inspired by Cao Xueqin's own family.
What makes Cao so different as an author is that, mirroring his own childhood, the main character Jia Baoyu spends a lot of time growing up in the women's section of the household. A lot of his personal traits and thought processes are stereotypically feminine (of the Qing dynasty) as well. So we get a peek into the 'inside' world of women, where politics and power affect entire familial dynasties from behind the scenes. And that naturally butts against the 'outside' male world and expectations of manhood and duty that make Baoyu so conflicted.
This is also the OG annoying love triangle book. Before Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, there was Team Lin Daiyu vs. Team Xue Baochai. Like, people literally debated over the best match for Baoyu when this was being written and released by the chapter. If you think love triangles are bad in YA, try a love triangle that lasts for literally thousands of pages, is doomed to end in failure for everyone, and hinges on the sobbing, miserable fulcrum that is Lin Daiyu. The entire stated purpose of her human life is to repay with tears the past incarnation of Baoyu for watering her past incarnation as a flower. So make of that what you will.
I'd recommend it if you want to understand more of the cultural memory of China. Or if you want an extremely detailed glimpse into the richness and complexity of the Qing Dynasty. It's close enough that many of the people feel modern but far away enough that we no longer recognize this world.
Or if you just like really drawn out tragic love stories, involving the main characters, their aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, cousins, siblings, servants, nephews, in-laws, and a pet rock. (Its story of the stone for a reason).
What makes Cao so different as an author is that, mirroring his own childhood, the main character Jia Baoyu spends a lot of time growing up in the women's section of the household. A lot of his personal traits and thought processes are stereotypically feminine (of the Qing dynasty) as well. So we get a peek into the 'inside' world of women, where politics and power affect entire familial dynasties from behind the scenes. And that naturally butts against the 'outside' male world and expectations of manhood and duty that make Baoyu so conflicted.
This is also the OG annoying love triangle book. Before Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, there was Team Lin Daiyu vs. Team Xue Baochai. Like, people literally debated over the best match for Baoyu when this was being written and released by the chapter. If you think love triangles are bad in YA, try a love triangle that lasts for literally thousands of pages, is doomed to end in failure for everyone, and hinges on the sobbing, miserable fulcrum that is Lin Daiyu. The entire stated purpose of her human life is to repay with tears the past incarnation of Baoyu for watering her past incarnation as a flower. So make of that what you will.
I'd recommend it if you want to understand more of the cultural memory of China. Or if you want an extremely detailed glimpse into the richness and complexity of the Qing Dynasty. It's close enough that many of the people feel modern but far away enough that we no longer recognize this world.
Or if you just like really drawn out tragic love stories, involving the main characters, their aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, cousins, siblings, servants, nephews, in-laws, and a pet rock. (Its story of the stone for a reason).
nicib's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
debyik's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This book has a bit of everything, political intrigue, sibling rivalry, romance, and murder, all with some beautiful poetry sprinkled throughout. I listened to the LibraVox audiobook which is done by volunteers and it was done really well and was quite entertaining. There were a few times I was laughing out loud. There were some references that went over my head as I have a limited amount of knowledge of Chinese literature and religion/mythology, but I don’t think it detracted from the book at all.
While entertaining, it’s not a book you want to rush through, instead, grab a cup of tea and savor each sip as you savor each page. I believe more enjoyment and meaning are gotten out of this book by taking it slow.
This book has a bit of everything, political intrigue, sibling rivalry, romance, and murder, all with some beautiful poetry sprinkled throughout. I listened to the LibraVox audiobook which is done by volunteers and it was done really well and was quite entertaining. There were a few times I was laughing out loud. There were some references that went over my head as I have a limited amount of knowledge of Chinese literature and religion/mythology, but I don’t think it detracted from the book at all.
While entertaining, it’s not a book you want to rush through, instead, grab a cup of tea and savor each sip as you savor each page. I believe more enjoyment and meaning are gotten out of this book by taking it slow.
kxiong5's review
5.0
1. This is a really good translation, holy shit
2. This is a really good novel???? I thought it was just “old rich family falls on hard times” but fuck this is better than Shakespeare & the framing device was so cool and just the sheer breadth of its coverage. Wow. Four more volumes to go, but wow. Imagine this in its original Chinese??
2. This is a really good novel???? I thought it was just “old rich family falls on hard times” but fuck this is better than Shakespeare & the framing device was so cool and just the sheer breadth of its coverage. Wow. Four more volumes to go, but wow. Imagine this in its original Chinese??
redheadreading's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Delighted by how readable this is and I really enjoyed the combination of family saga/drama with some more otherworldly scenes (Disenchantment was a highlight!). Some chapters dragged more than others but I'm definitely going to continue on with the next volume when I can. Wang Xi-Feng is my absolute fave!
jlwilson's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0