by Pu Songling
First published 2018
During the Qing dynasty, a curious scholar roams the countryside collecting extraordinary tales from common people. He records stories of fox spirits who take human wives, vengeful monks who return from death, and demons who slip between worlds. Each legend reveals another layer of the supernatural realm that exists alongside ordinary life. The scholar documents encounters with shape-shifting creatures, restless spirits seeking justice, and otherworldly beings who meddle in human affairs. These accounts blend dark humor with genuine terror as they expose the thin boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds. Through his collection, the scholar preserves a hidden China where ancient powers still hold sway over mortal lives.
Genres: historical-fiction, fantasy, folklore, china, 19th-century, asian-american
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, thought-provoking
Tropes: folklore, supernatural-elements
Setting: China, Qing Dynasty
Period: 19th Century
472 pages · Hardcover · Franklin Classics