Who Would Like This Book:
If you love clever blends of the supernatural, folklore, and real-life struggles, this one’s a treat! Zen Cho’s stories are lively, often hilarious, and steeped in Malaysian mythology - expect ghosts, dragons, and aunties in equal measure. There’s something for everyone: moving coming-of-age tales, diaspora experiences, and a relatable look at family and migration. The eBook’s extra content and handy design make it perfect for readers who want a modern, interactive experience. Fans of story collections, urban fantasy, or Southeast Asian settings will absolutely adore it.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer neatly connected narratives or dislike hopping between unrelated tales, this might not hit the spot. Some stories lean heavily into local languages and cultural references without explanations, which could throw off readers who don’t enjoy deciphering context. A few stories might also feel a bit short or less developed compared to others, and those who like every entry to be a five-star winner may find a couple of misfires.
About:
Spirits Abroad by Zen Cho is a collection of diverse and engaging short stories that explore themes of ghosts, spirits, folklore, and the supernatural from a Malay viewpoint. The stories range from humorous to philosophical, touching on topics such as migration, family relationships, love affairs with dragons, and the coexistence of the earthly and the supernatural. Cho's writing style is described as tight, controlled, and filled with humor, blending fantasy and folklore with insightful commentary on Asian diaspora.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The collection touches on potentially triggering topics such as stalkers, self-harm, and cultural displacement.
Has Romance?
While romance is not the central theme, there are romantic elements present in the stories.
From The Publisher:
Winner of the LA Times/Ray Bradbury Prize
Ratings (1)
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (12):
Read It (1) | |
Want To Read (10) | |
Not Interested (1) |
What can you read after
Spirits Abroad?
About the Author:
Zen Cho is the author of the Sorcerer to the Crown novels and a novella, The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, as well as the short story collection Spirits Abroad. She is a Hugo, Crawford and British Fantasy Award winner, and a finalist for the Locus and Astounding Awards. She was born and raised in Malaysia, resides in the UK, and lives in a notional space between the two
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