The Ghost Bride is a magical story of self-discovery, love , family loyalties and otherworldly experiences. Before reading I had this book pegged as a historical, magical realism story. It is all of that and so much more. Yangsze Choo has created an bewitching world full of parallels and clever details. Li Lan's hints of retrospective thoughts about her actions serve to accentuate the feeling of being recited a fairytale.

I was swept away into the world of 19th century Malaya, where Tian Ching's mother and other tai tai hold court. Poorer families, like Li Lan's are often subject to their whims. Li Lan's bravery, and she is definitely brave; despite her tears and trepidation she seeks to fix her situation and help Er Lang to the best of her ability, makes her a very likeable protagonist. My favourite character was undeniably Er Lang. I hope Yangsze writes a sequel, as he is both charming and alluring. I would have liked to read more about him and how he came to suspect the judges as he did.

In her fascinating addendum 'notes from the author' the author explains how she has expanded on and cleverly reinterpreted Chinese mythology about the afterlife. I was surprised to find out the corrupt officials of hell was not a modern reimagining, but one based in much folklore, while the plains of the dead with their paper offerings was something fabricated by the Yangsze herself.

With 4.5 stars, this book has made its way onto my favourites shelf and I will be purchasing a hard copy to treasure!

An enjoyable read on the whole although I don't think it has quite lived up to the hype. It was pleasing to read a fantasy novel that isn't set in a faux medieval European setting. However, I felt the setting was toned down a little too much for Western tastes, especially when compared to the Inspector Chen series by [a:Liz Williams|34828|Liz Williams|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1287950679p2/34828.jpg] or the Chronicles of Master Li by [a:Barry Hughart|9465|Barry Hughart|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-e89fc14c32a41c0eb4298dfafe929b65.png].

The beginning was a little clunky. The main character was meant to be a gently reared young woman who was, in many ways, ignorant even by the standards of her class. However, the story begins with her explaining carefully to the Western reader all the things they would not understand, which was rather jarring. Once she leaves Malacca the story telling improves with more showing and less telling.

One thing I did like right from the start was that Li Lan always did something in response to events. It was not always a sensible, well thought out something but she took action, rather than just weeping and wailing. A likeable heroine.

The ending was in character, if a little bittersweet.

I had started watching the TV series and then decided to read the book instead. The book is better. If you love Asian supernatural/folklore stories, you will love this. Being from SE Asia, it was a treat to read this. I am adding Night Tiger to my list.

This book was not what I expected it to be...and because of that I think I enjoyed it a lot more. The Ghost Bride was almost a mix of Spirited Away and Pan's Labyrinth.

Set in the Chinese setting, the book gives a glimpse of the old rituals about life after death. The plots morbidity sets it apart from other magical books but it does paint the picture well for the reader to dramatize it further.