A Dream of Red Mansions (Chinese Classics, Classic Novel in 4 Volumes)

I've stumbled upon an abbreviated version of this book, which contained only 500 pages, and I've so fallen in love with it that I had to purchase the whole rendering, which amounts to almost 2000 pages. There are two fully unabridged translations, and this one is simply excellent. Unlike some other reviewers I find the English language here more than adequate, and the style more than satisfactory, doing honor to the unique original book, I'm sure. The story takes place in old China, describing the life of a young nobleman,- inspired by the author's only son who died young,- his rich background, his loves and disappointments, all that in a mystical way yet with the most elaborated accent on the noble family's daily-life. There are no words to describe the fascination,- the aesthetic appeal that looms from every page,- the garden-scenes which get names in the form of short poems (not unlike the Haiku and Tanka traditional Japanese poems, probably inspired by this Chinese tradition). Reading this book makes the reader actually earn a PHD on the classical Chinese culture of 200-300 years ago, including their costumes, their habits,- (burying faded flowers, crying over them,- can there be anything more touching,- and charming?), their political plots,- the family described being that of noble people who serve the Emperor,- the differences between the masters and the servants, their foods, their sicknesses and cures. You walk with the heroes in their exquisite gardens, full of artificial mountains, brooks, bridges, and of course exotic trees and flowers, you breathe the typical scents, get acquainted with their daily life, the ranks of importance inside the family, (the old widowed grandmother being like their queen, entitled to beat her grownup sons with a cane...) the strict rules of courtship and marriage, their strange illnesses and remedies. Moreover, since the Chinese used to believe in tangible Gods and Goddesses, the other world mixes invariably with this life, and dreams can be simply visits beyond the clouds. Just like Shakespeare, this author too brings ghosts, Gods, magic spells and items into the plots, making the reader swim in the book as if inside the huge brain of interlaced heaven and earth, feasting on both interchangeably. Then come the intricate plots, many of them, interwoven in each other, each one a little drama in the best Shakespearean style, people living and dying for jealousy, envy, greed, treachery, chastity, love,- not unlike Romeo and Juliet, not Italian but Chinese. This book is simply unique, a marvel of beauty, tragedies, exultations, all discovered on each page. Maybe I should simply say that it's the most beautiful book I've ever read. Mind you, I have nothing to do with China, so I am impartial. Recommended with 50 stars out of 5!!! Enjoy!!!By the way it's been one of the 10 bestsellers of all times. So, I'm not alone. Join the "Redists", as the admirers of this book are officially called.... You'll find in it surprises of all kinds you've never dreamt of!!

I bought this one for a friend to learn more about Chinese culture. And he really loves it.

"I bought a novel." That statement remains technically correct, but it fails to capture the full situation. At some point I realized I was no longer reading a book. I had entered into a long-term relationship with a major work of literature. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the deeper I got into it, the more I understood why people have been talking about this novel for centuries. What began as a casual purchase gradually developed project management requirements.

I found that it was difficult to follow in spite of being very motivated. It may be a cultural thing so I am going to try to donate it to the the Asian history department of my local university.

This is the story of a great Chinese family in decline. It is told mainly through the lives of the women and servants of the family and a boy who loved the company of the maids who surround him. The attention to every domestic detail is delightful. I think the story takes place in the 17th century. I don't think it can be read in a hurry. One needs to be alert while reading so it is not a bedtime book. Allow a year or so to enjoy it. I return to it again and again.

I love this story, I have read several different translated versions and this one seems to cover the most in a very condensed paper back. The Original book is over 5000 pages I think and that is before the follow up author took it upon himself to finish the 1835 original unfinished work. Le's put it this way there are several movies the most recent with English sub titles is 28 episodes each an hour and a half long

Received only the fourth volume, counter to what is pictured and described in the page count. Returned it and asked for what was pictured, and received only the fourth volume again. I will not be trying again.

I have this version as well as the one by the name "The Story of the Stone" translated by David Hawkes. I prefer this version over the other because it is straight to the point and, for some reason, I am able to enjoy and visualize the story better. The other book does have nice prose. However, it can feel like it's dragging on.

Classic book that is hard to find in such a complete translated edition. shame the casing was damaged and the printing paper is quite cheap. Buy if you can find before we get some AI slop audiobook kindle only version read by VR tubers or something. this review is for the product as such not the content of the book's story which I am yet to read

It takes a while to get to grips with the style but bearing in mind it was written in the 18th century it was clear enough. The insight into Chinese history and culture pre revolution was fascinating.The translation was really good, the vocabulary used was contemporary ( surprisingly few typos, l was expecting more). The books themselves were a bit insubstantial, the paper very thin and covers not strong.The box they came in was also flimsy. Overall worth the money as there were 4 books in the set.

I'm not an expert on this topic but as far as I can understand, it looks well-presented and easy to read (even fit English is not your first language). Even the price I found it fair.

Great read. Excellent translation.

Comprei essa edição por falta de tradução nacional da literatura chinesa, atendeu as expectativas e é uma ótima história