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Dream of the Red Chamber Book I

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Dream of the Red Chamber Book I is a masterpiece of Chinese literature that delves into the complex relationships and intrigues of an aristocratic family in 18th century China. The author, Xueqin Cao, weaves a rich tapestry of characters and events that captivate the reader from the very first page.

The novel follows the tragic love story of Jia Baoyu, a young man who is torn between his love for two women – his beautiful cousin Lin Daiyu and the alluring maid Xue Baochai. As Baoyu navigates the treacherous waters of family politics and societal expectations, he must make difficult decisions that will ultimately shape his destiny.

What sets Dream of the Red Chamber apart is its intricate portrayal of the characters and their innermost thoughts and emotions. The author skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and betrayal, creating a vivid and powerful narrative that resonates with readers long after they have finished the book.

Overall, Dream of the Red Chamber Book I is a timeless classic that offers a window into the complexities of Chinese society and family dynamics. Xueqin Cao's lyrical prose and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human relationships and emotions.

Book Description:
The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, and considered the greatest of them all. Almost 40 main characters and some 500 minor characters tell the fortunes of the Chia family; the book details mainly the life of Chia Pao-yü, the heir apparent, who is described as very intelligent, but also as carefree and self-indulging. The already wealthy Chia family rises to new heights when Pao-yü's elder sister becomes an imperial consort. On her first visit home, a lush garden is built, where much of the rest of the story takes place. The intrigues surrounding Pao-yü and his cousins, especially Lin Tai-yü who he loves, and Hsüeh Pao-ch'ai who he is finally tricked into marrying, make up a large part of the story. The decline of the Chia family begins with the death of the imperial consort, and when they fall into disfavour with the emperor, their mansions and the garden are eventually destroyed.

The whole book has 120 chapters, only 80 of which were written by Cao Xueqin before his death in 1764. Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E claimed to have access to Cao's papers, and published what is now known as the Cheng-Gao version in 1791. Henry Bencraft Joly translated only part of the book written by Cao. Book I contains the first 24 chapters, Book II ends abruptly with chapter 56; a Book III was never published.


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