Hong lou meng.

I read this when I started my Chinese Studies degree many years ago, used a few chapters in teaching, re-read the whole first volume (this one) a few years back and just keep being floored by the quality of the writing and translation. Best novel ever? Happy to give it this accolade if it gets you reading the thing. Four more volumes of thickening plot after this one!

Holy cow. I must digest this fully before writing a review. For now, I'll simply say that that was one of the best reading experiences I've ever had.