This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Dream of the Red Chamber

   The Story of the Stone

   

   "Dream of the Red Chamber" is a classic Chinese novel that provides a detailed, episodic record of life in the aristocratic Jia family. The story revolves around the love triangle between the family's heir, his sickly cousin, and his other cousin who is raised to be his wife. It is also a critique of the family's decline and a reflection on the societal norms of the time. The novel is famous for its vivid characterization and psychological depth, and its unique portrayal of Chinese society during the Qing dynasty.

   The 484th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Story Of The Stone, Or The Dream Of The Red Chamber, Vol. 1

   The Golden Days

   

   Set in 18th-century China, this intricate tale unfolds within the opulent confines of the Jia family estate, chronicling the lives, loves, and tribulations of its members. At the heart of the narrative is the young heir, Bao-yu, whose romantic entanglements and spiritual journey reflect the broader themes of societal decline and the ephemeral nature of human desires. Interwoven with elements of fantasy and realism, the story offers a poignant exploration of the tensions between duty and passion, tradition and change, capturing the essence of a fading aristocratic world.

3. 3. The Story Of The Stone, Or The Dream Of The Red Chamber, Vol. 3

   The Warning Voice

   

   In this third volume, the intricate tapestry of the Jia family's fortunes continues to unravel, as the narrative delves deeper into the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations. The characters navigate a world of opulence and decay, where personal desires clash with familial duties, leading to heart-wrenching decisions and unforeseen consequences. Amidst the backdrop of a declining aristocracy, the story explores themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of happiness, as the protagonist, Bao-yu, grapples with his own inner turmoil and the pressures of his surroundings.

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4. 4. The Story Of The Stone, Or The Dream Of The Red Chamber, Vol. 5

   The Dream of the Red Chamber, Vol. 5

   

   In the concluding volume of this epic saga, the intricate tapestry of love, ambition, and fate that has enveloped the Jia family reaches its poignant climax. As the once-prosperous household faces inevitable decline, the characters grapple with their desires and destinies, revealing the transient nature of wealth and power. The narrative delves into the spiritual and philosophical, exploring themes of enlightenment and the ephemeral nature of human existence. Amidst the backdrop of societal change, the story poignantly captures the essence of dreams and reality, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the human condition.

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5. 5. The Story Of The Stone, Or The Dream Of The Red Chamber, Vol. 4

   The Debt of Tears

   

   In this fourth volume, the intricate tapestry of the Jia family's fortunes continues to unravel as the once-prosperous household faces mounting challenges and internal strife. The narrative delves deeper into the lives of its complex characters, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the ephemeral nature of wealth and status. As the younger generation grapples with their desires and destinies, the story poignantly captures the inevitable decline of a grand family, set against the backdrop of a richly detailed and vividly portrayed society. The volume is a masterful blend of romance, tragedy, and social commentary, reflecting the timeless human struggle between aspiration and reality.

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6. 6. The Story Of The Stone, Or The Dream Of The Red Chamber, Vol. 2

   The Crab-Flower Club

   

   In the second volume of this classic Chinese novel, the intricate tapestry of life within the Jia family continues to unfold, delving deeper into the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations. The narrative intricately weaves the personal struggles and desires of its characters against the backdrop of a declining aristocratic household. As the young protagonist navigates the labyrinth of familial duties and romantic entanglements, the story explores themes of fate, identity, and the ephemeral nature of human existence, all while painting a vivid picture of 18th-century Chinese society.

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7. 7. 红楼梦

   

   A richly textured family saga centered on a sensitive, rebellious young heir whose close relationships with two very different young women unfold amid the opulent but decaying world of a great aristocratic household. Through intimate portraits of dozens of relatives, servants and lovers, the novel charts the rise and fall of fortunes, explores conflicts between desire and duty, and offers penetrating satire and moral reflection on the rigidity and hypocrisy of elite society. Spiritual themes of illusion, fate and impermanence run alongside vivid domestic detail, making the work both a tragic love story and a sweeping social panorama.