60 pages 2 hours read

Yangsze Choo

The Ghost Bride

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, set in colonial Malacca in 1893, Li Lan, the daughter of a once-respected family, is asked to become a "ghost bride" to a deceased son of a wealthy family to help her family's financial woes. Despite her reluctance, Li Lan is drawn into the spirit world, uncovering dark secrets, seeking justice, and navigating complex relationships, ultimately finding love and her true path. The book references suicide, self-harm, and drug use.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Yangsze Choo's The Ghost Bride weaves an enthralling tale set in 1890s Malaya, rich in cultural and supernatural elements. Reviewers laud its vivid world-building and unique premise blending Chinese folklore and historical fiction. While the romantic subplot and pacing have received mixed reactions, the book's atmospheric charm and imaginative narrative are widely praised.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ghost Bride?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with supernatural elements and a dash of romance will find The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo captivating. Similar to Memoirs of a Geisha and The Night Circus, this novel appeals to those interested in culturally rich settings and mystical tales.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

810L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Romance

Themes

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: Class

Topics

History: World

Religion / Spirituality