Dream of the Red Chamber
Dream of the Red Chamber
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1958
Book Brief
Beta329
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
RomanceChina • 18th century
1958
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin is an 18th-century Chinese novel focusing on a young person's life in the noble Jia family. The narrative explores themes of love, fate, and social status, examining the decline of an aristocratic family within the Qing Dynasty's complex social hierarchy. The story offers a richly detailed portrayal of Chinese culture and customs.
Melancholic
Romantic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,701 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Chamber is celebrated for its intricate narrative and deep exploration of 18th-century Chinese society. Critics praise its rich character development and poetic style. However, some find its vast cast and complex subplots challenging. Overall, it's a seminal work in world literature, highly regarded for its cultural and historical insights.
Who Should Read Dream of the Red Chamber?
A reader captivated by intricate family sagas, historical detail, and social commentary akin to War and Peace by Tolstoy or Pride and Prejudice by Austen would enjoy Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin. They appreciate culturally rich narratives that explore human nature, class, and tradition in an 18th-century Chinese setting.
5,701 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
329
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
RomanceChina • 18th century
1958
Adult
18+ years
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