The Fox Wife

This book is a slow burn, but if you can hang in there it is SO worth it.

This is ultimately a story about revenge. It's told from dual perspectives, one is a young female fox shifter and the other is an older man that is working as an investigator. Since this is not a plot-driven story, you really get to know these two characters and everyone they meet along the way.

It is such a beautiful story based on Asian mythology and I'm glad I stuck with it.

Graceful, evocative, and tender. Also annoyingly clumsy at times.

The story is lovely, as is the storytelling: alternating short chapters following two wildly disconnected characters, one perspective first-person, the other third-person, each of them intriguing complex people who grow ever more fascinating over the course of the book; both as we learn about their past, and as they navigate their present. Exquisitely paced.

Marred by too much dependence on serendipity. Fortuitous encounters, perfect timing, too many of these to count. So many, that I started just expecting them: okay, now’s a good time for a deus ex machina. That kills tension... but I kept reading, enjoying myself nonetheless. The story is original, the setting rich and new to me.

Snow, a fox, is looking for someone who escaped her long ago. Bao, a private investigator in his retirement years, is hired to learn the name of a woman whose body was found at the steps of restaurant. Obsessed with foxes, he's lured into the larger mystery when he realizes foxes are at every turn of his investigation.

This is a dual POV (one 1st person, the other 3rd) historical fiction fantasy that drew me in for the fox mythology. Both POVs are looking for something, but it's Bao's POV I was wholly invested in. The mystery was great, he as a character was interesting and layered, and the fox mythology from the view of non-foxes was fascinating and always present. I struggled with Snow's POV until a third of the way, but still Bao carried me through. I can see how some might be invested in Snow, who slyly navigates the patriarchal norms and dangers around her. I did like Snow, especially in the last quarter, which was a gratifying closing overall.

For those interested in the historical fiction, this takes place at the time of anti-imperial sentiments and revolutionary movement against the Qing government in the early 1900's. Through both POVs we see the low attitudes towards and poor treatment of women, including accepted imprisonment.

Content warnings for repeated mentions of grief around loss of child, sexual harassment, mentions of imprisonment.

Book Review: The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

Rating: 4 stars

“The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo is a captivating blend of mystery, folklore, and historical fiction set in early 1900s Manchuria. The story follows the mysterious death of a young woman rumored to be involved with foxes, mythical beings capable of transforming into humans. Bao, a skilled detective, is tasked with unraveling the secrets surrounding her demise.

From the very beginning, the book draws readers in with its enchanting cover and intricate storytelling. While the pacing may be slow, the richly detailed setting of Manchuria during the last years of the Qing dynasty immerses readers in a world filled with tradition and intrigue. Choo's elegant prose brings to life a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own secrets.

At the heart of the novel is Snow, a grieving mother seeking justice for her child's death. Her journey intertwines with Bao's investigation, blending themes of loss, revenge, and redemption. Bao's unique ability to uncover lies adds intrigue to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the mystery unfolds.

“The Fox Wife” excels in weaving Chinese folklore and magical realism into its narrative, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment. Choo's writing skillfully balances emotion, wit, and suspense, making this a truly enjoyable read.

Overall, “The Fox Wife” is a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers to a world where myths and reality collide. Fans of character-driven stories with a touch of mystery will find this book a spellbinding read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️