Raise The Red Lantern | Su Tong, translation by Michael S. Duke

This collection contains three novellas: the titular Raise The Red Lantern, Nineteen Thirty-four Escapes, and Opium Family. The latter two describe family histories, while the former is a period drama of jealousy and power.

Personally, I was interested mainly in the first story after seeing the 1991 film of the same name. The novella, sadly, pales in comparison. The plot is mostly adapted faithfully, with the difference being that the film version often finds more interesting ways of conveying information that, at least in the translation, reads too stilted. When the film diverges from the novella's plot, it often finds more interesting scenes and images. The titular red lanterns, for example, are completely absent from the novella.

The prose of the other two novellas is similarly difficult to approach, overusing semicolons and commas. Both also meander in their plot and lack forward momentum.

All three stories shine in their construction and descriptions of moments of conflict and hatred. These scenes carry emotional heft and provide exciting contrast to most of the other goings-on. Still, overall, I did not have a good time with any of these three novellas.

Thoughts? Reach out on Mastodon @Optional@dice.camp, message me via SimpleX, or shoot me an email.