historical study

Unlike most classic Chinese literature,the Chin P'ing Mei breaths with surprisingly real characters with timeless motives: love, hate, fear, ambition, sex... If the soap opera existed when the book was written, The Plum in the Golden Vase would have had a following equal to Dallas. Not only are the book's characters sympathetic and fully developed, one actually cares about and identifies with them. Roy's translation reads more like a modern novel than a beloved Asian classic. Unlike earlier translations which sought to spare the reader some of the randier details of upper class private life, Roy presents all the particulars in a matter-of-fact manner that even today has the power to astonish the modern reader with it's open celebration of decandance. A great deal of the intended social commentary concerning the moral and spritual corruption of the time period will be apparent only to Asian historians and scholars; however, as with all great works, it may be read and enjoyed on many levels. To non-Chinese readers, keeping track of the multitude of unfamiliar names can be a problem, but there is a complete index of names included in the book but, although irksome at times, it is possible to keep track of everyone, even the servants,in this sprawling, epic work. I can't think of a better introduction to Chinese culture and history than the Chin P'ing Mei. Here's hoping the publication of Volume Three is not long in the making.