This was one strange and very compelling book I finished in less than a week.
Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge is was a Christmas gift from a friend, I picked it up randomly from my shelf one day in an attempt to diversify my reading.
In any case, the book follows a cryptozoologist as she goes around the city of Yong An, interacting with, then writing about different beasts as a journalist.
Even though it was only in the first story that we see the appearance of a sort of queer relationship, after that intriguing beginning, I felt that it was essential to continue the story.
I think this is the first time I’ve been exposed to magical realism in an Asian context (outside of Murakami), and it was very interesting indeed.
It seemed like the book was providing a type of social commentary and as I’m endeavouring to keep this review spoiler free, I’ll let the reader decide on what that is about.
In any case, this translation by Jeremy Tiang was fascinating enough that I wish to read the original but it’ll probably be years before my Chinese is up to scratch.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for all interested in literature translated from the Chinese.
Thank you Tilted Axis Press for translating this masterpiece!
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