5. Is the plot engaging—does the story interest you?

[John]

5. Is the plot engaging—does the story interest you? Is this a plot-driven book: a fast-paced page-turner? Or does the story unfold slowly with a focus on character development? Were you surprised by the plot's complications? Or did you find it predictable, even formulaic?

[[deleted user]]

I found the plot very engaging, at points it moves slowly as we learn about characters at other points things happen quickly overall it captured my imagination and I am really annoyed that my library system only has the first volume and not the rest.

[John]

@BW, bummer. I have decided to just buy the annual reads as long as they are affordable. I am enjoying the read, and would describe it as slowly unfolding with emphasis on character development.

[[deleted user]]

John wrote: "@BW, bummer. I have decided to just buy the annual reads as long as they are affordable. I am enjoying the read, and would describe it as slowly unfolding with emphasis on character development."

I know big bummer, I am now buying the kindle editions one at a time, no buying the next one until finish the one already downloaded lol

[Judith]

Yes, the plot is interesting. I get hung up with all the Chinese names and characters, but I'm slowly working my way through the plot with interest.

[Patrick]

I am still quite engaged in this story. But I feel that, because of the numerous characters and little plots, sub-plots and stories, it is best read in bigger chunks (say, 2-3 chapters at a time) rather than in pick-up-put-down mode.

[Eadie]

I am very engaged in the story. It is slow developing in some parts but moves quickly in others. The story does focus on character development.

[Anna]

I definitely think that is engaging and for me and the translation I am reading it is almost like a serial story. Each chapter stands alone as an incident and leads into the next. As a whole, its focus seems to be character development. I am interested see if the plot becomes more central.

[Pip]

Because it concentrates on the personal life of the women within the clan there are many descriptions of family life which I found fascinating. The elaborate preparations for the visit of the Imperial Concubine and the funeral that lasted for weeks are two great examples that take you right into the minutia of social mores. The fact the although Bao Yu was quite willful, he preferred the company of girls made me wonder if perhaps he was gay.