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The Ghost Bride summary
Brief summary
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating historical fantasy novel set in 19th century Malaya. It follows the story of Li Lan, a young Chinese woman who becomes embroiled in a ghostly mystery and finds herself in the dangerous world of the afterlife.
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The Ghost Bride
Summary of key ideas
Unforeseen Events and Supernatural Intrigues
In The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, we are introduced to Li Lan, a young Chinese woman living in 1890s colonial Malaya. Her family is struggling financially and, to secure their future, a wealthy family, the Lims, propose a ghost marriage between Li Lan and their deceased son. This unusual proposal is made in order to placate the restless spirit of the Lim son, who is haunting Li Lan's dreams.
Initially, Li Lan is horrified by the idea, but as she becomes more entangled in the supernatural world, she finds herself drawn to the Lim family's mysterious past. She is also pursued by the ghost of the deceased son, who becomes increasingly aggressive in his pursuit of her, even in the waking world. As the story progresses, the lines between the real and spirit worlds begin to blur for Li Lan.
A Journey Through the Afterlife
Li Lan's journey takes an unexpected turn when she is poisoned by a member of the Lim family and falls into a coma. In her unconscious state, she is transported to the Chinese afterlife, the Plains of the Dead, a place where the spirits of the dead reside before moving on to the afterlife. Here, she learns about the hierarchy and customs of the spirit world and encounters the ghost of the Lim son, who is revealed to be a malevolent force manipulating her for his own ends.
With the help of a mysterious guide named Er Lang, Li Lan navigates the treacherous afterlife and uncovers the sinister plans of the Lim family. She also discovers the truth about her own family's past and her connection to the Lims. As she fights to escape the clutches of the ghostly suitor, she realizes that her only chance of survival lies in returning to the mortal world.
Unveiling Family Secrets and Unlikely Alliances
Upon waking from her coma, Li Lan finds herself in a precarious position. She is now engaged to the deceased Lim son and is trapped in the Lim mansion, where she is at the mercy of the vengeful spirit. To complicate matters further, she is also being pursued by the jealous wife of the Lim son, who is determined to keep her in the afterlife.
In a race against time, Li Lan enlists the help of Er Lang and uncovers the dark secrets of the Lim family. She learns about their involvement in opium smuggling and their exploitation of the spirit world for their own gain. With the help of an unlikely alliance, including a talking cat and a group of rebel spirits, Li Lan hatches a daring plan to escape the clutches of the Lims and the ghostly suitor.
Freedom and Redemption
The climax of the story sees Li Lan confronting the Lim son and his manipulative mother in a dramatic showdown. With the help of Er Lang and her newfound allies, she manages to outwit the vengeful spirits and expose the Lims' crimes. In a final act of defiance, she rejects the ghost marriage and severs all ties with the Lim family, both in the mortal world and the afterlife.
As the story concludes, Li Lan returns to the mortal world, forever changed by her experiences in the spirit realm. She has gained a deeper understanding of her family's past and her own resilience. Despite the challenges she faced, she emerges stronger and more determined to forge her own path. In the end, The Ghost Bride is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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What is The Ghost Bride about?
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating novel set in 19th-century Malaya. It tells the story of Li Lan, a young woman who is asked to become a ghost bride for a wealthy family's deceased son. As she delves into the spirit world and uncovers dark secrets, Li Lan must navigate between the realms of the living and the dead to protect herself and those she loves.
The Ghost Bride Review
The Ghost Bride (2013) is a captivating novel that delves into the world of Chinese spiritual beliefs and folklore. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- Explores the intriguing concept of a ghost marriage, blending the supernatural with historical traditions, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
- Set in 19th-century Malaya, it provides a rich portrayal of Chinese culture and customs, adding depth to the storyline and connecting readers to a different time and place.
- With its mystery, romance, and suspenseful plot twists, the book keeps readers engaged and invested, ensuring that boredom is never part of the reading experience.
Who should read The Ghost Bride?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a supernatural twist
Those interested in exploring Chinese culture and folklore
People who appreciate a strong female protagonist navigating a complex and mysterious world
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The Ghost Bride FAQs
What is the main message of The Ghost Bride?
The main message of The Ghost Bride revolves around love, loyalty, and the supernatural in 1890s Malaysia.
How long does it take to read The Ghost Bride?
It takes a few hours to read The Ghost Bride, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Ghost Bride a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Ghost Bride is worth reading for its captivating blend of history, culture, and mystery.
Who is the author of The Ghost Bride?
The author of The Ghost Bride is Yangsze Choo.
What to read after The Ghost Bride?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Ghost Bride, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz