Why you should read China's vast, 18th century novel, Dream of the Red Chamber
- Written by Josh Stenberg, Lectuter in Chinese Studies, University of Sydney
Jia Baoyu, the protagonist of Dream of the Red Chamber, as drawn by Gai Qi, 1879. Wikimedia
In our series, Guide to the classics, experts explain key works of literature.
When asked to explain the significance and pleasure of the Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber, by Cao Xueqin, I’m afraid I usually flounder. How to put it to friends,...