The Ghost Bride is none of these things. The story is as stunning as the cover. It is a haunting, beautiful tale of life, love, and death. It journeys through this foreign culture and world seamlessly. It is wonderful.
Lim Tian Ching, her would-be betrothed, begins to haunt her in her dreams. He tries to woo her, to convince her to marry him. But he is monstrous, and in his visits he slowly drains her qi, or life-force. To complicate matters more, she suddenly finds herself smitten with Tian Bai, Lim Tian Ching's cousin. But they cannot be together because the family is insistent on her marrying their dead son.
In order to stop these terrors and complications, Li Lan must journey into the land of dead filled with ghosts, demons, and a corrupt government. But she must return to the world of the living before it is too late, and she becomes trapped there forever. She is aided by Er Lang, a mysterious figure who hides his face from the world. The Ghost Bride is a ghost story, it is a love story, and it is beautiful.
Not being at all familiar with any Asian or Chinese customs or beliefs, I was little apprehensive about whether or not I would understand references, customs, or even what was going on. But Choo does an excellent job explaining all of the aspects of the religions, cultures, and worlds of both the living and the dead. And because Li Lan is entering these haunting realms for the first time, she is introduced to them as we are. She is confused, frightened, and brave with the reader, and Li Lan is a very interesting female character to read.
She is a strong woman. Not many could do what she does and face death and demons to free herself and her family from vengeful spirits. She is well-mannered and respectful, and also curious and intelligent. But she is also flawed.
Her curiosity, doubt, and self-consciousness lead her to make unwise decisions which inevitably lead to great trouble. Again and again she founders. She's caught in lies, lingers too long in one place, and spies on the wrong people. But slowly as the story progresses, Li Lan begins to change. Her name literally means "Beautiful Orchid," and like a budding orchid, Li Lan blooms. She learns from her mistakes and finds inner strength. And with the help of the mysterious and charming Er Lang, Li Lan no longer doubts and worries. By the end of the story she will no longer take the easy or cowardly route. Because of her journey, she blossoms into a better woman than her regular life would have led her to be.
I loved The Ghost Bride. I was afraid, I was angry, I was anxious, and I was in love. Yangze Choo took me through quite a journey, and I hope that there will be many more journeys to come. Oh, and did I mention that this is her first novel? No? Well, it's her first novel. So read it, and have Li Lan's story linger with you long after you've closed the book, just as the dead linger long after they have passed from the world of the living.
Have you read this brand new book from Yangsze Choo? Did you love it as much as I did? Head over to the forum to discuss!The problem with the dead was that they all wanted someone to listen to them.
Title: The Ocean at The End of the Lane
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Recommendation: Yes
Best Reader Audience: Mature male and female readers
Final Rating: Four out of Five mugs of hot chocolate
Author: Yangsze Choo
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Recommendation: Yes
Best Reader Audience: Female readers from Y.A. level and up
Final Rating: Four out of Five mugs of hot chocolate
Title: The Ocean at The End of the Lane
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Recommendation: Yes
Best Reader Audience: Mature male and female readers
Final Rating: Four out of Five mugs of hot chocolate
Want to enter the world of the dead? Use the link below and your purchase will also support the Lone Book Club!
Wow, I have to pick this book up sometime, sounds amazing...
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