Raise the Red Lantern: Three Novellas

I enjoyed all three stories in here. It was a new experience to read Su Tong's work because his writing style and narration was different from most other authors that I have read. I also saw the movie with the same name, and it was interesting to note the differences between the story and the film. All in all, a good read.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Raise the Red Lantern", more so than the other two novellas. As an occidental 30-something I realize I am not qualified to judge the accuracy of the story, but I found it highly entertaining. I also liked the film version. The novella differs in creating a degree of emotion, suspense, and creepiness that the film lacks. The film is worth seeing for the setting and costumes alone. Set in China of the 1920's or 30's the protagonist is a young woman who, due to her father's death, can no longer afford to study at the unversity. With few options available she becomes the 4th wife/concubine of a wealthy man who is plenty old enough to be her father. The "wives"/mistresses each have their own small apartment in his traditional Chinese compound. What she finds a life of boredom interrupted by plots among the other mistresses, and the slighted maid who wanted to be the 4th mistress, to eliminate each other and win favor with their benefactor. They all want to spend intimate time with the old geezer in order to conceive a son, the only way to ascend this surreal hierarchy. The protagonist manages to thwart numerous plots against her and sets out to discover the mystery of the previous 4th mistress. In the process she descends to a level of cruel that she previously disdained in the other mistresses. As with most Chinese stories, don't expect a happy ending.

like many people who have read this book, i was first introduced to it through the movie, and although i enjoyed both reading the book and watching the movie, the book in my opinion is much superior. the movie leans away from the novella greatly. one major difference there are not even red lanterns in the novella which are a major part of the movie. also the main characters's personality is delved into more as well as that as the master's son. read this book it is great

My first encounter with this story was through the movie based on the longest novella. Finding it a very good watch, I decided to search for the book. I really enjoyed the novellas, though they may have been a bit depressing at points. The stories seemed very realistic and kept my attention. I'd definitely recommend Su Tong's books.

Su Tong leaves you grasping for hope. These three novellas, general enough for an American to grasp yet specific to the Chinese milieu, probe the underside of human nature. With emphasis on class, the people's revolution, and the organic nature of life, the author confronts the bestial facets of living in the underclass.