A review by nadiamasood
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What a captivating narrative! This is the kind of book that demands to be savored slowly, its lush prose and elegant storytelling a feast for the senses. If you're a fan of historical fiction with a hint of mystery, mythology, and fantasy, this is a must-read!

While the initial premise revolves around a mother seeking revenge for her murdered child, the overarching theme of love in its myriad forms emerges as the true heart of the story.

Shiro, with his sly charm and morally ambiguous nature, immediately drew me in. Every scene with him, particularly those involving Snow, was a delight to read! One standout moment is when Snow, for the first time, asks for Shiro's help in eliminating a man:

     "I shall need your help. Are you willing?"
     Shiro smiled. In the afternoon sunlight, his tea-colored eyes glinted. It was a very pretty effect. "Of course. What do you want?"
     "I want to get rid of him."
     "Painfully? Quietly? Or Painfully and quietly?"

Another scene is when Snow pleads with Shiro to consider living a more honorable life:

     "Shiro, you know very well there are other ways to live."
     "Ah, but then I wouldn't be a beast, as they say." Shiro showed his teeth briefly. "Why struggle against your nature? You should enjoy life."
     He smiled. "Preferably with me."

I find the alternating storylines well-crafted and enjoyed seeing how all the characters and events gradually started to come together for a climactic conclusion. There are places where the events become predictable but it didn't spoil the flow of the story because I was curious to find out how we're getting to that point.

With her captivating and atmospheric prose, Choo weaves a beautiful story of life, sacrifice, and the supernatural that's set against the backdrop of 1900 China and Japan. The slow revelation of the complicated relationships buzzes with tension, which is why I remain captivated by the story despite the slow plot.
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