The little I’ve read of Chinese culture doesn’t endear it to me. Like our own history, what we know best (if we know any other) is the history of the ruling class, and it seems so implacably awful.
I would probably get completely absorbed in it once I started, like any family saga :) What appeals to me in the mythologies I’m familiar with (Irish and Norse) is their humanity. There are proper love stories, stories where hardened warriors cry when their dog dies. Something you don’t find with the Greeks for example. I don’t like the cold feel of Chinese courtly life.
Have just finished the memoir Stone Will Answer, by Beatrice Searle. Look forward to discovering the Story of the Stone next! I’m in the mood for an epic. Thanks for the recommendation.
How serendipitous (your time will not be wasted.. ). I’ve just looked up the Beatrice Searle, which looks fascinating - so I think we’ve just swapped recommendations!
It does whet your appetite to read the book, all five volumes.
Five volumes. With such a long/big book, one wonders what causes a writer to continue on such an epic journey. Ten years writing a book. So many characters. It can't be that they can see that we shall be reading and talking about it four centuries later... there must be tales that got lost in obscurity.
Do you ever wonder, WTRI, what motivates the author to keep going at it?
I think for most writers the primary concern is “What's the best way to tell this story?”; and that's what they're working towards/grappling with. If you're interested in the genesis of The Stone, David Hawkes is really helpful - highly recommended.
Oh, I read "The Dream of the Red Chamber" more than 30 years ago, in an Italian translation from a German translation – "Der Traum der Roten Krammer." I should fetch me the Hawkes-Minford English version. I don't remember all the details, but yes, the female characters weren't simply decorative, and the general impression was of a wondrously told tale.
I've never heard of "silver fork novels" before today, so I thank thee kindly, WTRI, for the multiple nuggets of wisdom and a most enjoyable read.
This sounds fascinating, in an appalling sort of way!
You're not seduced by the charms of Cao Xuequin?
The little I’ve read of Chinese culture doesn’t endear it to me. Like our own history, what we know best (if we know any other) is the history of the ruling class, and it seems so implacably awful.
Interesting. I, as you can see, was totally entranced. (You seem engaged by mythology - even that aspect didn't appeal? Die-hard proselytiser here!)
I would probably get completely absorbed in it once I started, like any family saga :) What appeals to me in the mythologies I’m familiar with (Irish and Norse) is their humanity. There are proper love stories, stories where hardened warriors cry when their dog dies. Something you don’t find with the Greeks for example. I don’t like the cold feel of Chinese courtly life.
OK; but The Stone absolutely isn't cold (if you ever decide to give it a go)…
I promise to look out for a copy.
Have just finished the memoir Stone Will Answer, by Beatrice Searle. Look forward to discovering the Story of the Stone next! I’m in the mood for an epic. Thanks for the recommendation.
How serendipitous (your time will not be wasted.. ). I’ve just looked up the Beatrice Searle, which looks fascinating - so I think we’ve just swapped recommendations!
It does whet your appetite to read the book, all five volumes.
Five volumes. With such a long/big book, one wonders what causes a writer to continue on such an epic journey. Ten years writing a book. So many characters. It can't be that they can see that we shall be reading and talking about it four centuries later... there must be tales that got lost in obscurity.
Do you ever wonder, WTRI, what motivates the author to keep going at it?
I think for most writers the primary concern is “What's the best way to tell this story?”; and that's what they're working towards/grappling with. If you're interested in the genesis of The Stone, David Hawkes is really helpful - highly recommended.
Oh, I read "The Dream of the Red Chamber" more than 30 years ago, in an Italian translation from a German translation – "Der Traum der Roten Krammer." I should fetch me the Hawkes-Minford English version. I don't remember all the details, but yes, the female characters weren't simply decorative, and the general impression was of a wondrously told tale.
I've never heard of "silver fork novels" before today, so I thank thee kindly, WTRI, for the multiple nuggets of wisdom and a most enjoyable read.
Aha, a fellow aficionado! And thank-you for your kind words - much appreciated.