The Red Pavilion: A Chinese Detective Story (A Judge Dee Mystery) (Scribner Crime Classics) [Paperback]

Robert van Gulik (Author, Illustrator)

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons; First Thus edition (April 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684181428
• ISBN-13: 978-0684181424
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,631,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Judge Dee and Murder on Paradise Island, February 8, 2011

By 

Kim Gayl - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Red Pavilion: A Chinese Detective Story (A Judge Dee Mystery) (Scribner Crime Classics) (Paperback)

If you want to experience China in the Tang period (about 650AD) read the Judge Dee mysteries because you will never have a better tour. Robert Van Gulik (1910-67) was an unusual authority on Chinese history and culture because he knew how to impart his knowledge in an extremely palatable way.

Judge Dee (once a real historical person) is at this time of his life a Magistrate. He follows the Confucian teachings and is a dedicated official of the Emperor. He hails from the Capital, works long hours and is familiar with the trappings of power and the stench of corruption in his great nation. He views himself as an essential but small cog in the mighty machine that was the complex Chinese bureaucracy of the day. Two robust ex soldiers, one confidence trickster and one trusted household servant (who has been elevated to a sergeant of the court) form his inner circle. Three wives of different stations and abilities maintain his home and raise his children

The story begins as Judge Dee is travelling home from the capitol. He stops for a brief rest on Paradise Island. While arranging accommodation he becomes embroiled in the murder of a beautiful and famous courtesan through that "bit of a lad" guy Magistrate Lo. Welcome to the world of "flowers and willows" or in modern terms, legalised prostitution that is regulated by the government.

Holiday islands were about the same back then as now it seems; luxurious hotels, plenty of bars, houses of prostitution of various grades, and numerous gambling houses (also regulated by the government). Restaurants and cafes are on every corner and accommodation is expensive. Every day is a festival on Paradise Island if you are rich enough. Underneath the glitz lie another grittier world, one Judge Dee and his sergeant need to penetrate to solve the murder. Along the way the reader gets to tour the island and see how the Tang period dealt with luxury holidays on a grand scale.

Judge Dee does his usual brilliant job by weeding out plots against the government, uncovering tragic romances and solving vengeful murders. Just another few fascinating days in the life of one of history's most famous Chinese lawmen and a really good read!