I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Linghun by Ai Jiang Published by Dark Matter INK on April 4 2023
Genres: Adult, ghost story
Pages: 178
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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The nitty-gritty: Ai Jiang explores grief and loss in this unsettling, beautifully written tale.
“This town worships the dead, but it has no respect for the living.”
Ai Jiang is destined to be an important author in the horror field, if she isn’t already. Linghun was one of the most unusual stories I’ve ever read, a strange and sad tale about death and ghosts and moving on (or not moving on, as is the case with most of these characters). In some ways it reminded me of a short story by Dan Simmons called The River Styx Runs Upstream, but Linghun turned out to be so unique, and I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those stories that will linger long after I’ve read it.
Wenqi and her parents have just left Toronto and moved into HOME (Homecoming Of Missing Entities), a highly sought after housing development that gives families a chance to reconnect with loved ones who have died. Ten years ago, Wenqi’s brother Tianqi died in a tragic accident when he was six, and Wenqi’s mother is desperate to see her beloved son again. But Wenqi hates her new home. Strangers called lingerers crowd the lawns of the houses, homeless families who are waiting for HOME houses to go on the auction block. Her new school seems stuck in the past, and she’s forced to take a class where kids share their feelings about deceased family members. Wenqi’s brother finally makes an appearance, although his face is blurry and he only appears for several hours each day.
When Wenqi befriends a lingerer named Liam, she starts to see things from another perspective. But who is the old woman who lives across the street, and why is she always watching Wenqi’s family? When Wenqi witnesses a violent event in her neighborhood, she decides to leave, even if it means abandoning Tianqi.
The story alternates among three points of view: Wenqi, Liam and an old woman simply called “Mrs.” Wenqi is struggling to accept her new home, and she doesn’t feel comfortable anywhere, especially since her mother is pushing her to reconnect with her dead brother. Liam’s chapters unfold from the lingerers’ perspective. Liam’s family has been “lingering” for three years, waiting for the chance to buy a coveted HOME house, but he has no desire to see his dead sister and wants to leave more than anything. Finally, we meet the mysterious woman who lives across the street from Wenqi’s family, Mrs. At first she appears to be a minor character, but little by little, her story unfolds in some very surprising and tragic ways.
Jiang explores traditional Chinese culture in the way women are treated, and it was heartbreaking. I really felt for Wenqi, the neglected daughter who still can’t get the love and respect she craves from her parents, even though her brother is a ghost. We also learn that Mrs. was a mail order bride, and she was treated poorly by her husband until he died. There’s a connection between Mrs. and the title of the story, which I found fascinating (especially after I looked up the meaning of “linghun”). Mrs.’s story in particular was so emotional and heartbreaking, and was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Lots of reviewers are using the word “gothic” to describe this story, and yes, there are definite gothic elements. But I also thought it had a dystopian vibe, especially the story of the lingerers and the shockingly violent auctions that are held when someone decides to sell their house. The lingerers were by far the strangest part of Linghun. Imagine if you had people living in your yard, so desperate to see the ghosts of their loved ones that they will wait years for a chance to get a house. It was such a bizarre idea, and I loved it!
The author beautifully depicts the emotions of loss, portraying Wenqi’s mother as a woman who will do anything to see her dead son again, even leave behind her familiar life and drag her family to a strange town. In one poignant phrase, Jiang describes the way grief makes time stand still, as if those experiencing it are caught in a time and place that others can’t understand:
“HOME is a place where all times meet, intersect, disconnect from those for whom time still marches on.”
There’s a distinct feeling of sadness that permeates Jiang’s story, even at the end, although there are a couple of scenes that felt like a bright, shining light amidst all the sorrow. Linghun won’t be for everyone, but if you are looking for something different, you won’t want to miss this beautifully written and emotionally charged tale.
Big thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
I want to read it even more now!
Roberta R. recently posted…Taste the Books: Review Morsels #41 Seanan McGuire: “InCryptid” Series #5-8
Read it! I’m curious to hear some other reactions.
It certainly sounds like a very peculiar book and one that touches some deep emotions, so that it should not be picked up lightly, but I believe it should prove a very fascinating read. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…DESCENDANT MACHINE (Continuance #2), by Gareth Powell
It was very emotional!
Great review, Tammy! Of course I love a good ghost story but more than that it sounds like a really unique story. As per usual the alternating points of view is something I would absolutely enjoy. Consider me intrigued!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood
Thanks Stephanie!
I just saw my library is adding a copy of this to their collection so I am sure I will check it out eventually. Your review really piques my interes now.
Oh cool, it’s very strange but I loved it.
Sounds amazing! Another for my library list…
It’s definitely worth checking out:-)
I had my heart breaking too when I read Iron Widow, for the same reason! How women were treated was awful! Excellent review Tammy!
Thanks Sophie!
This sounds pretty unique! And really good. Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Review: Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens
Thanks Lisa!
I’ll have to remember this one next time I’m in the mood for something ghostly, it sounds really unique 😀
Pages and Tea recently posted…Book Review: Cards on the Table (Hercule Poirot #15) by Agatha Christie
I hope more people read it, it’s so different and beautifully written.
Excellent review! I’m always up for a unique ghost story. I really like the cover for this one too.
Thanks Suzanne! I love the cover too:-)
Sounds both different and very interesting. Seems an exploration of how some folks throw away their present and future trying to get back the past. Sad but I can empathize, and it certainly can make for an entertaining story element.
Great interpretation, it was sad in some ways, the way the parents were so obsessed with their dead child.
I have this on my tbr too, so I’m glad to see your lovely review. I can always feel reassured about a book when you like it
Thanks Sahi! I hope you enjoy it:-)
This sounds so good! I think I need to add it to my TBR asap. I tend to like a sense of sadness as you’ve described in my stories, especially horror, so I think this might be one (coupled with all the other elements you mentioned) that I’ll really enjoy.
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