Book Review/Recommendation: "The Ghost Bride" by Yangsze Choo

Browsing through one of my favourite stores a few months ago, Chapters, I found this book featured in the staff picks section and a Indigo spotlight. What interested me in this novel was that it was a storyline based on Asian culture. I happen to like story lines that goes into a cultural setting etc, and thank goodness my knack for picking books randomly is still going strong ;)

This is a beautifully written story is set back in 1893 in Colonial Malaya, its a mixture of Chinese folklore, ancient customs, adventure, superstitions and romance. I don't like giving the entire plot away on my reviews, giving those who would like to read it some suspense in it & a prompt to go read it. Without saying too much, the story is set around a girl who gets a proposal for marriage, but not of the normal kind. Its from a family seeking a bride for their recently deceased son. It's a coming of age story, about taking leaps of faith & secrets all entwined into the afterlife beliefs of the Chinese culture.The rest I'll leave for you readers to go find out ;)

I recommend this book for anyone who does like reading historical/cultural novels. You will want to read it to the end to find out the suspense's, and it does not disappoint. I give it a 8.5 out of 10 scale.(Yes I use a larger scale :) Don't get me wrong about the 1.5 points that are missing hehe, this is a great book, however I need to be critical of the rating I give it based on other absolutely gripping novels out there. For me this is a high score!

Elegantly detailed, I had a movie reel going on in my head while reading this. In my opinion when a  book can give great descriptions to the point where you are reading & its turning into visual inside your head with your imagination... its officially a good book! Its not a fast paced book take note, if you're expecting "boom boom boom pow" hehe then this is not your novel. The Ghost Bride takes its time to play out & is laid back in unfolding. Yet it is a page turner!
This author has done a fantastic job in weaving a visual through words. This is Yangsze Choo's debut novel, and I must say I'm looking forward to what stories this author has to offer us in the future!

A wonderful novel to anyones collection of reads, pick it up at your local bookstore! A few stores to purchase from or if you rather would like a detailed synopsis: www.chapters.indigo.ca  www.chapters.indigo.com  www.blackbondbooks.com (an independent Vancouver bookstore chain).

I hope you all enjoy this recommendation/review!! Let me know what your thoughts were & if you have any further questions feel free to comment or email me!

Sincerely,
"CHIMERAH"
chimerah.net@gmail.com