Book Description:
Dream of the Red Chamber — also known as The Story of the Stone — is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, written by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Set during the waning days of the Qing dynasty, the novel chronicles the rise and fall of the wealthy and aristocratic Jia family, focusing on the sensitive and poetic heir, Jia Baoyu, and his profound, tragic bond with his cousin, Lin Daiyu.
Blending romance, social commentary, and metaphysical reflection, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, illusion, and impermanence. Rich in psychological depth and cultural detail, Dream of the Red Chamber presents an unparalleled portrait of courtly life, Confucian ideals, and the intricate inner worlds of its characters.
Presented in four volumes – Beginnings and Blossoms in Volume 1; Intrigue and Longing in Volume 2; Trials and Departures in Volume 3; and Decline and Farewell in Volume 4 – the story moves from the youthful enchantment of first love through family intrigue and societal change to the inevitable dissolution of fortunes and dreams.
More than an epic family saga, Dream of the Red Chamber is a meditation on the fleeting nature of beauty and human connection, and remains widely regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese fiction.
About Cao Xueqin:
Cao Xueqin (c. 1715–1763) was a Chinese writer and painter from a once-prominent Manchu family that fell from imperial favor. Drawing on his own experiences of aristocratic decline, Cao poured years into crafting Dream of the Red Chamber, though he died before completing the final chapters. Deeply introspective and lyrical, his writing blends vivid realism with poetic elegance. Today, Cao is revered as one of China’s greatest literary figures, and his novel remains a cornerstone of Chinese culture and literary artistry.