The Dream of the Red Chamber

interesting book

Abridged from a multi-volume mid-18-Century novel, this lively retelling captures the essence and the details of life and love in a rich Chinese household. Multiple intrigues and myriad characters mix, some characters disappear, some plots remain unresolved. But there is no complete version, so this greatly shortened rendition is quite satisfactory.

The book is a great disapointment. Can't believe this supposed to be the greatest of China novels. Page after page nothing happens, or better to say it is all the same, to sum up "walking, talking, masters, servants, one room, next room, walking, talking, masters, servants...". Really waste of money for the book.

It is my favourite novel. I bought this book for school's book presenation. I am Chinese, and I know, that the origial version of the book is very long, and it deleted several plots. The translator used the direct translations to all the female characters, it's a little strange when I first read, and later accepted it. I like tragedy, because it gives me some feelings that I like. And also, Black Jade is my favourite female character. Her miserable fate made me take a pity on it. Although lots of people don't like her, I still persist my opinions. I love her, because of her great talent, and sentimene, Her love with Pao-Yu deeply touched me. I would say, I have similiar personality as her, sensitive and melancholic. When I read to the part that she passed away, I even couldn't control my tears. On the other hand, I hate Precious Virtue, because of her hypocritical, and her tactful. She married Pao-Yu, this is my least favourite part, it made me hate her stronger. Even my mother likes her. This is a great book for us to read, I think you can read a lot from the story.

All fine

J'avais lu ce roman en allemand et je voulais absolument l'avoir. malheureusement de la description de l'ouvrage il n'était pas clair que c'était en fait une édition fortement abrégée... Non seulement les implication d'un sujet complexe ont disparus, mais toute la poésie de l'œuvre initiale est perdue, le contenu de deux volumes est raccourci dans quelques dizaines de pages. Quelle déception ! Je l'ai rapidement déposé dans un café d'échange de livres.....