Reviews

Wonderful collection of novellas.

Personally, I found "Raise the Red Lantern" the most compelling - a story of loneliness and isolation while searching for love and connection. Lotus's story, along with the ghosts in the well, are haunting.

"Nineteen Thirty-Four Escapes" is captivating, particularly the way in which the narrator winds the tale as part of his own clan's history. Ultimately, the story reflects its title, with the underlying theme of escape (from the village, from family and from life).

Lastly, "Opium Family" is also full of complex family dynamics and communist ideals. It allows for particular insight as to how the communist party made its way into rural China in the mid-20th century.

Overall, these novellas were quick and captivating reads. Would recommend.

fairiesnest's review against another edition

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I picked up this book from the local used book store because of how much I loved the movie version of the title novella. And though very different, I enjoyed the book version as well. However the other two novellas were choppy and disjointed to the point of being almost unreadable.

trejondunkley's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m only rating the titular Novella because it’s the only one I finished. Couldn’t get into the other two.

kaimiguei's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I heartily enjoyed the three novellas, but perhaps it is important to note that I come from a Chinese background. I would imagine western audiences (for whom this book was translated, I assume, hence the English language ok now I’m just being sarcastic) would have a harder time digesting the text, as Chinese culture is so different. The strong imagery and character portrayal masterfully symbolizes the condition of life in 1930s China. If you care to look between the lines, each and every scene opens a window to what life was like for people back then. Particularly, the novellas explores the relationship between man and woman, rich and poor, power and hopelessness, lust and life. The movie is awesome too! I took joy in noticing the differences and similarities, and was glad that the movie represented the original rather well.

mim72's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5 tähteä. Luin siis vain Punainen lyhty -tarinan. Idea oli minusta mielenkiintoinen, mutta tarina ei nyt aivan vastannut odotuksiani. Tarina oli tietenkin lyhyt, eikä asioita puitu niin paljon kuin olin odottanut. Myös kirjoitustyylin kanssa minulla oli vähän hankaluuksia; pidin sitä vähän "tökkönä". Luulen sen ainakin osaksi johtuneen huonosta käännöksestä (englannista eikä suoraan kiinasta), mutta toisaalta koska en lukenut paljon kiinalaista kirjallisuutta, en tiedä voisiko asioiden sanominen lyhyesti ja ytimekkäästi olla vain oma tyylinsä.

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