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A review by bookwyrmknits
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
This was a fun read, though the part of this book that I enjoyed the most was the setting. The description of Malaya, both the living and the dead versions, were rich and evocative and reminded me of a Studio Ghibli movie. This would not be ideal for everyone; while I enjoyed lingering in the different parts of the world Choo built for this book, if you're looking for a fast-paced book you aren't likely to find what you're looking for here except for in a few places where Li Lan gets in trouble and needs to escape.
The side characters of Amah and Old Wong were my favorites, though Li Lan herself was also enjoyable to read. I also enjoyed some of the other side characters a lot as well, though for all of them (except Amah and Old Wong) I had at least a few moments when I questioned their motives. All of the characters that we spent any length of time with were well developed and nuanced, often having echoes later in the story that I didn't anticipate.
One thing that I don't remember knowing before I started reading which would have been very helpful is the audience. I don't remember now if I had expected an adult or YA book, but this is definitely a YA book with an incredibly naïve protagonist getting herself into scrapes that an older, more experienced character would not. (So I guess it's good, from a story perspective, that she was so sheltered.)
Side note: while there is a love triangle of sorts in this book, it didn't bother me the way that trope usually does. I suppose that's because of the way it was handled, and because I could see the changes in Li Lan happening in what seemed like a very logical fashion.
The side characters of Amah and Old Wong were my favorites, though Li Lan herself was also enjoyable to read. I also enjoyed some of the other side characters a lot as well, though for all of them (except Amah and Old Wong) I had at least a few moments when I questioned their motives. All of the characters that we spent any length of time with were well developed and nuanced, often having echoes later in the story that I didn't anticipate.
One thing that I don't remember knowing before I started reading which would have been very helpful is the audience. I don't remember now if I had expected an adult or YA book, but this is definitely a YA book with an incredibly naïve protagonist getting herself into scrapes that an older, more experienced character would not. (So I guess it's good, from a story perspective, that she was so sheltered.)
Side note: while there is a love triangle of sorts in this book, it didn't bother me the way that trope usually does. I suppose that's because of the way it was handled, and because I could see the changes in Li Lan happening in what seemed like a very logical fashion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction and Suicide