Christmas Delivery Guaranteed 🚚
Christmas Gift Guide Gift Guide
Christmas Delivery Delivery
Store Hours Store Hours
Gift Cards Gift Cards

Order Today & Win an Epic Fantasy Prize Pack! ✨

The Story of the Stone

By Cao Xueqin
Series: The Story of the Stone
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.35 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 1,030 ratings, 80 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Story of the Stone, also known as Dream of the Red Chamber, explores the life of the wealthy and aristocratic Jia family during the Qing dynasty. It delves into their complex interpersonal relationships and the gradual decline of their fortunes. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love, fate, and societal expectations, offering a vivid portrait of Chinese society.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3600
Elsewhere:
$4000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by Chinese culture and history, as it presents a richly detailed portrayal of 18th-century aristocratic life. It's perfect for readers who appreciate intricate narratives woven with themes of love, fate, and family. If you enjoy exploring character-driven stories with deep emotional and philosophical layers, this classic novel offers a profound and immersive experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Story of the Stone

Tells the story of the changing fortunes of the Jia dynasty, focussing on Bao-yu, now married to Bao-chai, after the tragic death of his beloved Dai-yu. Against such worldly elements as death, financial ruin, marriage, decadence and corruption, his karmic journey unfolds.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Story of the Stone (c. 1760), also known as The Dream of the Red Chamber, is one of the greatest novels of Chinese literature. The fifth part of Cao Xueqin's magnificent saga, "The Dreamer Awakes", was carefully edited and completed by Gao E some decades later.

It continues the story of the changing fortunes of the Jia dynasty, focusing on Bao-yu, now married to Bao-chai, after the tragic death of his beloved Dai-yu. Against such worldly elements as death, financial ruin, marriage, decadence, and corruption, his karmic journey unfolds.

Like a sleepwalker through life, Bao-yu is finally awakened by a vision, which reveals to him that life itself is merely a dream, 'as moonlight mirrored in the water'.

Series: The Story of the Stone

View all

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Story of the Stone is lauded for its rich classical allusions, intricate wordplay, and exquisite poetry, showcasing the heights of Chinese literature. The English translation by David Hawkes and John Minford is praised as a masterful literary achievement, offering a rewarding reading experience that highlights the depth and beauty of the original work.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140443264

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 June 1977

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 417g

Pages: 608

Collections

Cao Xueqin Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: The Story of the Stone

About the Author

Cao Xueqin (?1715-63) was born into a family which for three generations held the office of Commissioner of Imperial Textiles in Nanking, a family so wealthy they were able to entertain the Emperor four times. However, calamity overtook them and their property was consfiscated. Cao Xueqin was living in poverty when he wrote his famous novel The Story of the Stone.

Also by Cao Xueqin

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.