What inspired you to write The Ghost Bride?
The seeds for this book originated when I was doing some research for
another novel I was writing. Whilst going through some old newspaper articles
for our local Malaysian paper in the 1950s, I found a brief mention of spirit
marriages that offhandedly declared them "increasingly rare." This was so
interesting that I ended up abandoning my first book and the novel grew legs and
ran away from there.
What are the origins of practices such a "spirit marriages?"
There is actually a very strong literary tradition of Chinese ghost stories.
The Western attitude toward the supernatural has been deeply influenced by the
scientific method. When you read about Conan Doyle's evidence of fairies based
on doctored photos, there's a driving compulsion to "solve" hauntings. In Asia,
I think the issue isn't so much whether ghosts and spirits exist or why, but how
to manage them. Dealing with the dead occurs in relational terms ––
feeding them, arranging marriages, sorting out old disputes etc. And of course,
almost everyone has a ghost story to tell, such as weretigers, haunted banana
trees, and the pretty woman with long hair and no feet who entices you out into
the night.
What is the special appeal of the story of the βghost bride,' and who do
you think is the audience for this book?
THE GHOST BRIDE, a
literary ghost story, is based on a peculiar historic custom. I think readers
are saturated with vampire and zombie stories and are ready for a view of the
afterlife from a different culture.
The book deals with the lack of social and financial choices for women at
that time—so it will appeal to those who appreciate a realistic portrayal
of social barriers.
I think women and both new adult and young adult readers would appreciate
this book, but really, it's for anyone who loves to learn about other cultures
and delve into a great read. I think it might be especially appealing to book
groups and book clubs.
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