Picture a Malaysian storyteller who conjured a haunting tale of ghost marriages and colonial intrigue—meet Yangsze Choo! This New York Times bestselling author spins historical fiction with a supernatural twist, blending Chinese folklore and lush prose to captivate readers worldwide. Her debut, The Ghost Bride, not only stole hearts but also inspired a Netflix series, cementing her as a literary star.
Born in the Philippines to a Malaysian family of Chinese descent, Choo’s tales are as vibrant as her multicultural roots. Now living in California, she crafts stories that dance between the living and the dead, inviting readers into worlds where spirits whisper and secrets unravel.
The Making of Yangsze Choo
Yangsze Choo’s journey began in a whirlwind of global adventures. Her father, a diplomat, whisked the family across the Philippines, Thailand, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, exposing young Yangsze to a tapestry of cultures. These experiences, paired with her love for Victorian novels and Chinese ghost stories, shaped her unique voice. After graduating from Harvard University in 1995, Choo worked as a management consultant, but her heart belonged to storytelling. She began writing fiction at night, fueled by dark chocolate and a passion for Malaysia’s rich history.
Yangsze Choo’s Unforgettable Stories
Choo’s debut, The Ghost Bride (2013), is a spellbinding tale set in 1890s Malacca, where Li Lan, a young woman from a bankrupt family, is proposed as a ‘ghost bride’ to a wealthy family’s deceased son. Infused with Chinese mythology and supernatural intrigue, the novel explores the afterlife’s ghostly bureaucracy and became a New York Times bestseller, later adapted into a Netflix series in 2020. Critics praised its ‘Malaysian Chinese Domestic Gothic’ style, a term coined by scholar Anita Harris Satkunananthan.
Her second novel, The Night Tiger (2019), transports readers to 1930s colonial Malaya, weaving a murder mystery with the myth of the weretiger. Selected as a Reese’s Book Club pick and a Big Jubilee Read for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, it showcases Choo’s knack for blending folklore with human drama. Her latest, The Fox Wife (2024), set in 1908 Manchuria, explores fox spirits and detective tales, earning a longlist spot for the 2025 International Dublin Literary Award. Choo’s lyrical prose and meticulous research—think old shophouse diagrams and colonial medical tools—create worlds that feel both magical and grounded.
Why Yangsze Choo Matters
Yangsze Choo’s work bridges cultures, bringing Malaysian history and Chinese folklore to global audiences. Her stories, rich with themes of tradition, identity, and the supernatural, resonate with readers seeking fresh perspectives in historical fiction. By spotlighting Southeast Asian narratives, she challenges the dominance of Western-centric literature, proving that Malaysian voices can shine on the world stage. Her ability to craft relatable characters amidst fantastical settings has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
- Born: Philippines, to a Malaysian family of Chinese descent
- Key Works: The Ghost Bride (2013), The Night Tiger (2019), The Fox Wife (2024)
- Awards: The Night Tiger named a Reese’s Book Club pick and Big Jubilee Read selection
Snag The Ghost Bride and dive into Yangsze Choo’s enchanting blend of history and hauntings!