Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book I

Author: Cao, Xueqin

Synopsis:


In 'Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book I', we are introduced to the illustrious Jia family, one of the most influential and wealthy clans in 18th-century China. The story revolves around the young and talented Jia Baoyu, a precocious boy who is caught in the midst of a complex web of family politics, forbidden love, and societal expectations. As Baoyu navigates the opulent halls of the Rongguo Mansion, he becomes entangled in a captivating world of romance, friendship, and tragedy. With vivid descriptions and intricate character development, this Chinese classic takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the intricacies of love, power, and the human condition.

Genres:
Historical fiction, Romance, Bildungsroman

Themes:
Love and desire, Family and societal expectations, Power and corruption

Subjects:

Read on Gutenberg

Book Cover

Back to Homepage