The Fox Wife

A Novel

By: Yangsze Choo

Narrated by: Yangsze Choo

This program is read by the author.

"Choo narrates the book herself with a grace of voice and manner that is rare in authors. Further, she delivers Chinese names and phrases with the intonation of a native speaker, lending another level of authenticity to this odd and wonderful tale."—The Washington Post

"Yangsze Choo again takes on narration duties herself, and delivers an enchanting reading. Her mellifluous tone enhances the atmosphere of the slight unreality of this folktale-slash-detective story."—Booklist

“Choo narrates this richly complex novel herself, her gorgeous writing delivered in a voice that is deep and precise and lovely. . . . Her tone and words transport us.”—San Francisco Chronicle on The Night Tiger

Some people think foxes are similar to ghosts because we go around collecting qi, but nothing could be further than the truth. We are living creatures, just like you, only usually better looking . . .

Manchuria, 1908.

In the last years of the dying Qing Empire, a courtesan is found frozen in a doorway. Her death is clouded by rumors of foxes, which are believed to lure people by transforming themselves into beautiful women and handsome men. Bao, a detective with an uncanny ability to sniff out the truth, is hired to uncover the dead woman’s identity. Since childhood, Bao has been intrigued by the fox gods, yet they’ve remained tantalizingly out of reach—until, perhaps, now.

Meanwhile, a family who owns a famous Chinese medicine shop can cure ailments but can’t escape the curse that afflicts them—their eldest sons die before their twenty-fourth birthdays. When a disruptively winsome servant named Snow enters their household, the family’s luck seems to change—or does it?

Snow is a creature of many secrets, but most of all she’s a mother seeking vengeance for her lost child. Hunting a murderer, she will follow the trail from northern China to Japan, while Bao follows doggedly behind. Navigating the myths and misconceptions of fox spirits, both Snow and Bao will encounter old friends and new foes, even as more deaths occur.

New York Times bestselling author Yangsze Choo brilliantly explores a world of mortals and spirits, humans and beasts, and their dazzling intersection. Epic in scope and full of singular, unforgettable characters, The Fox Wife is a stunning novel about old loves and second chances, the depths of maternal love, and ancient folktales that may very well be true.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

©2024 Yangsze Choo (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Choo’s writing is lush and the slow revelation of complicated relationships and reunions hum with tension. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly

“An intriguing vulpine mystery worth the suspension of disbelief...The rich Asian tradition of fox folklore provides the backdrop for Choo’s complex and atmospheric tale of identity and discovery set in early 1900s Manchuria.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Magical, wonderous, transporting and illuminating, The Fox Wife reminds me that reading can be pure joy . . . I was captivated from the very first word of this novel until its very last. Yangsze Choo is a writer of immense talent.”—Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, internationally best-selling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child

Delightful tale

This was a magical book, I enjoyed listening to it very much. The author has a very nice voice too.

Refreshing world building!!

I loved this story. It was paced well . I was introduced to a brand new world and believed it 100%

I loved this tale

This book is beautifully written and thoughtful shared. I love the folktale vibe that comes from it but than the writer gives it face at the conclusion. It’s so good. 🦊 ❤️

A Thoughtful Journey through Culture and Lore

This book was a captivating read that immerses readers in a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and fascinating lore. While I thoroughly enjoyed the author's previous works, I must admit that this particular book did not fully satisfy my desire for a different ending.

The author skillfully weaves together a vivid narrative, transporting readers to a world brimming with diverse traditions and I can’t recommend her books enough. Her attention to detail and ability to create a vibrant atmosphere is commendable.

However, where the book fell slightly short for me was in its ending. As someone who appreciates a slow-burn romance, I had envisioned a different outcome for the central characters. While there were hints and moments of a possible connection, I wished for a deeper exploration of their relationship, gradually building up to a more satisfying resolution. This aspect left me wanting more, as I felt it had the potential to add an extra layer of emotional depth to the story. Maybe I just read too many romance novels, though. 😂

While it may not have met all of my personal hopes, it still stands as a testament to the author's storytelling prowess! I also love her voice!

Excellent, fun, and thought-provoking

The author read with appropriate inflection. She included enough history to place the characters in context, and I appreciated how she identified many social and ethnic distinctions that mattered within the historical setting. The characters are well drawn, recognizably distinct, and complex. There are hints of sexual encounters, but nothing explicitly described, and I appreciate that. I suppose I sound rather bland myself here, but I enjoyed the book very much, both in content and in the author's style, and I'm very glad I took a chance on it.

deepest apologies

I rated the reading as very tedious, not realizing that my device had somehow slowed the reading rate. When I changed it back to normal it was just fine.

Rich with history, mythology and suspense

I loved this book nearly as much as The Night Tiger! Delightfully captivating, it’s a wonderful introduction to Chinese history and mythology

beginnings and endings

A beginning is where you plant your foot and an ending is edge of your current knowledge. I love that quote. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A fun and unique story, beautifully composed and narrated

I have noticed that an increasing number of ho-hum books and terrible narrators are getting 4+ star ratings and so it has been harder and harder to make sure what I am reading is worth my time. This book was highly reviewed by the Wash Post and within a few lines I was hooked in the unique storyline and perspective of the protagonist, “Snow”.

The author narrates so beautifully and the weaving of the story, piece by piece is mesmerizing. I will be listening to more by this author.

Great Story, monotonous narration

I enjoyed the beautiful writing and unique sometimes shape-shifting characters. The inability of narrator to truly distinguish and find a voice for the many characters was a disappointment! Who screens the narrator? One would think author or publisher could have done much better in choosing narrator. She did a fine job for the main character - however all the rest sounded the same. This may have been fantastic with gifted narrator - I gave up 2 hours prior to end from the monotonous narration, with little heart, feeling, or emotion imho.