Title: The Ghost Bride: Pengantin Arwah
Author: Yangsze Choo
First published April 6, 2013
488 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9786021637357
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Li Lan, the only daughter of a bankrupt family, receives a proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. However, her prospective husband is a man who has mysteriously died, and the marriage is to appease his restless spirit.
It’s terrifying, but there is no other way to ensure Li Lan’s future. After her visit to the Lim family mansion, Li Lan is haunted by her husband-to-be and can no longer sleep peacefully.
Gradually, Li Lan becomes interested in the spirit world, which is not only inhabited by hungry ghosts and vengeful spirits but also by demonic bull guardians. To avoid being trapped in the spirit world forever, Li Lan must uncover the dark secrets of the Lim family and her own family.
About the Author
Yangsze Choo comes from a family with a rich Malaysian-Chinese heritage that spans four generations. Growing up in different countries gave her the opportunity to pick up a few languages, but she admits she’s not very good at eavesdropping.
After completing her studies at Harvard, she worked as a management consultant before pursuing her passion for writing. Yangsze loves to indulge in two things: reading and eating, sometimes simultaneously.
For more musings from Yangsze, check out her blog at http://yschoo.com/ or follow her on Twitter @yangszechoo.
Editoral Review
Yangszee Choo’s debut novel, The Ghost Bride: Pengantin Arwah, is an enchanting tale that weaves together Chinese folklore, ghost stories, and romance, set in 1890s colonial Malacca. This historical fantasy novel spans across different timelines and realms, making it an impressive work of imagination and skillful storytelling.
The novel follows the journey of its protagonist, seventeen-year-old Li Lan, who receives an unusual marriage proposal from the wealthy Lim family, who wants her to become a “ghost bride” for their deceased son. Li Lan’s journey into the afterlife, where she meets the dead and supernatural creatures, is both thrilling and mystifying.
She finds herself caught between two worlds and battling supernatural forces, while also trying to uncover the truth behind her own family’s secrets. Choo’s writing is rich with descriptions that evoke the sensory details of the vibrant Malacca port town and its people.
Through Li Lan’s encounters with the characters from different realms, the author manages to offer a unique perspective on Chinese mythology and beliefs about the afterlife. The Ghost Bride also addresses a range of themes, including the effects of colonialism, gender expectations, family dynamics, and the power of love.
The interplay of cultural themes adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a multi-layered truly diverse read. Yet, while the book’s setting and historical context make it incredibly immersive and engaging, certain plot developments feel predictable, notably the romance between Li Lan and her childhood friend Tian Bai.
When it comes to character writing, Li Lan undoubtedly undergoes significant growth from a timid and sheltered young lady to a brave woman who stands up for herself. However, some supporting characters, such as Lim Tian Ching, feel underdeveloped, and their motivations remain obscure.
Despite its flaws, The Ghost Bride remains an impressive debut novel, and Choo deserves recognition for her creative ideas and her writing style. The book earns a four-star rating for its compelling supernatural elements, vivid setting, and thought-provoking themes.
It is a recommended read for any fan of the supernatural, historical fiction, or romance genres.
In the end, Choo delivers a satisfying conclusion, and readers will undoubtedly be looking forward to reading more from this enchanting and talented writer.
