by Mingming Xu
First published 2019
In "Strange Stories from China," ancient folklore leaps off the page. Mingming Xu summons a world of spirits, tricksters, and talking animals that blur the line between reality and fantasy. A farmer stumbles upon a hidden magic mirror. A young woman is haunted by the vengeful ghost of her jilted lover. A monkey king causes mischief in the heavenly courts. These tales, steeped in Chinese mythology, captivate with their unpredictable twists and finely-drawn characters. At the heart of each story lies a poignant commentary on the human condition - our dreams, our fears, our capacity for both good and evil. Xu's masterful storytelling will leave readers spellbound.
Genres: short-stories, fantasy, folklore
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: magical-realism, supernatural
Setting: China
630 pages · Paperback · Independently published