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sabrinacappelli's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
travelingkayte's review against another edition
1.0
Having only a knowledge of the title and the notion that it was made into a landmark film for Chinese cinematography I had started with high hopes. As with most endeavours undertaking with high hopes I walked away disappointed. As this was my first Chinese translated book perhaps much has been lost in translation, or as I am unaccustomed to Chinese prose I haven't learned to appreciate the style. I found the three short stories hard to follow. The narrators in the final two stories were completely unreliable in my opinion as their connection with the characters, although proposed to be relatives, seemed to be more of a stranger piecing together their own imaginations.
winterreader40's review against another edition
4.0
The 4 stars is only for the first short story since I DNF'd the last 2.
Raise the Red Lantern: Lotus's father commits suicide and her stepmother asks who she'd prefer to be sold to, she chooses a rich husband, but nothing goes the way she expects. Lotus isn't a terribly likable character but she is a compelling one.
1934 Escapes: DNF 30 pages in, this is about a guy remembering old family members from 1934 but it's just not holding my attention.
Opium Family: DNF 20 pages in for general disinterest.
Raise the Red Lantern: Lotus's father commits suicide and her stepmother asks who she'd prefer to be sold to, she chooses a rich husband, but nothing goes the way she expects. Lotus isn't a terribly likable character but she is a compelling one.
1934 Escapes: DNF 30 pages in, this is about a guy remembering old family members from 1934 but it's just not holding my attention.
Opium Family: DNF 20 pages in for general disinterest.
100reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed ‘Raise the red lanterns’ more than the other novellas, but they are all delightful reads.
polaris42's review against another edition
4.0
Really really enjoyed this! Especially how it differs from the film. There's so much implied and the style of storytelling Characters and plot. It's transient and beautiful, almost ghostly in nature.
chirson's review against another edition
3.0
Trochę mnie książka rozczarowała - największe wrażenie zrobiła na mnie bez wątpienia tytułowa novella, ale tłumaczenie i wydanie wołają o pomstę do nieba. Tłumaczki na przykład wstawiały niepotrzebne zaimki, co czyniło zdania niezgrabnymi i miały (na ile jestem w stanie orzec nie znając oryginału ani wydania angielskiego) problemy z rejestrem. Zaś wydawca przetłumaczył "novellę" jako "nowelę" i zrobił z Yimou Zhanga - Yimona.
historic_chronicles's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Originally titled "Wives and Concubines", this novella is a brutal and visceral insight into the life of a former University student, Lotus, and her mental collapse after she becomes a concubine to a wealthy much-older man in 1930s China.
Vivid and contemplative, Su Tong leads the reader through the harrowing realities of feminine oppression during the early 20th century as we witness the downfall of Lotus's stability as mere helpless observers, making this novella utter tragedy in every sense.
In such a short time, themes such as sexual repression and female power (or perhaps lack thereof) within a patriarchal-driven society is examined expertly with lasting effects that you may feel overwhelmed by the end of it.
A truly unique experience that I would like to thank @fetchsmellingsalts for bringing this remarkable novella to my attention during their episode on the film adaptation in their podcast!
Vivid and contemplative, Su Tong leads the reader through the harrowing realities of feminine oppression during the early 20th century as we witness the downfall of Lotus's stability as mere helpless observers, making this novella utter tragedy in every sense.
In such a short time, themes such as sexual repression and female power (or perhaps lack thereof) within a patriarchal-driven society is examined expertly with lasting effects that you may feel overwhelmed by the end of it.
A truly unique experience that I would like to thank @fetchsmellingsalts for bringing this remarkable novella to my attention during their episode on the film adaptation in their podcast!
dajna's review against another edition
3.0
Letto con piacere e con fatica. Trovo che i lettori asiatici siano bravissimi a condensare un'intera vita in 100 pagine, ma che fatica per il lettore.
La protagonista diventa la quarta moglie di un ricco signore della Cina pre-rivoluzionaria. Si tratta però di una scelta obbligata e ponderata, dovuta alla morte del padre e alla conseguente perdita di status sociale.
Songlian studiava e, per i tempi e i luoghi, aveva una certa indipendenza. Doversi rinchiudere nell'appartamento da concubina, soggetta a tutta una serie di rituali e cerimonie a lei sconosciute, le pesa. Inoltre non capisce, o non vuole omologarsi, alle rivalità e ai sotterfugi delle altre moglie, che non esitano a far picchiare una bambina pur di darsi contro l'una con l'altra.
Come in ogni società patriarcale tutto è permesso finché non si lede l'immagine del padrone: onta punita con la morte. Ne risulta la pazzia di Songlian, che forse così può però finire i suoi giorni in modo migliore.
La protagonista diventa la quarta moglie di un ricco signore della Cina pre-rivoluzionaria. Si tratta però di una scelta obbligata e ponderata, dovuta alla morte del padre e alla conseguente perdita di status sociale.
Songlian studiava e, per i tempi e i luoghi, aveva una certa indipendenza. Doversi rinchiudere nell'appartamento da concubina, soggetta a tutta una serie di rituali e cerimonie a lei sconosciute, le pesa. Inoltre non capisce, o non vuole omologarsi, alle rivalità e ai sotterfugi delle altre moglie, che non esitano a far picchiare una bambina pur di darsi contro l'una con l'altra.
Come in ogni società patriarcale tutto è permesso finché non si lede l'immagine del padrone: onta punita con la morte. Ne risulta la pazzia di Songlian, che forse così può però finire i suoi giorni in modo migliore.
morankicius's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0