Raise the Red Lantern
Su Tong · b. 1963 · China
Originally Qiqie Chengqun (Chinese) · translated by Michael S. Duke
Why it matters
A young concubine descends into a wealthy household's vicious hierarchy of rival wives. Su Tong's claustrophobic novella became internationally known through Zhang Yimou's celebrated film adaptation.
At a glance
family sagatragedy
Difficulty 4/10medium pace130 pagesTight, atmospheric novella with a straightforward, claustrophobic plot.
