Reading 1001 discussion

4. Discuss the plot:
• Is it engaging—do you find the story interesting?
• Is this a plot-driven book—a fast-paced page-turner?
• Does the plot unfold slowly with a focus on character?
• Were you surprised by complications, twists & turns?
• Did you find the plot predictable, even formulaic?

Plot? There's a plot? Why didn't anyone tell me?

The houses of Ning-guo and Rong-guo are continuing their slow decaying progress, both financially and on a human perspective. The number of maids is being culled; many of the characters die, especially Dai-yu; Bao-yu loses his marbles; Xi-feng is repeatedly sick. With such a bevy of characters, it is easy to lose its way through the many sub-plots inhabiting this story.

Patrick wrote: "With such a bevy of characters, it is easy to lose its way through the many sub-plots inhabiting this story."

Good point - lots and lots of subplots - Is there a main plot?

I think the main plot will be revealed in the last volume and I am personally hoping Bao-Yu and Dai-Yu find each other again and stop making everyone else miserable.

Reincarnation seems to me to be a key plot point as does fate, spirituality and connections.

I agree that there are many subplots. It is hard, though, to clearly identify the main plot.

I would have thought that the main plot is what is happening to the members of the two clans and their subordinates. There are plenty of sub-plots. Including this time a real Romeo and Juliet story with the maid Chess and her cousin-lover.