About this book
In Mei Yuan's haunting collection *子不語* (Tales Untold), discover a masterwork of Chinese literary horror and fantasy that defies Confucian convention. Written during the Qing Dynasty, this groundbreaking fantasy anthology challenges the classical restraint of Confucius—who famously avoided discussing the strange, the supernatural, and the divine—by embracing exactly what the sage refused to speak of.
Mei Yuan crafted these ghost stories and otherworldly tales as intellectual entertainment for the cultured scholar, drawing inspiration from centuries of Chinese folklore, Buddhist and Daoist mysticism, and documented supernatural encounters. Each narrative weaves together elements of horror, dark humor, and philosophical inquiry, presenting demons, ghosts, returning spirits, and divine interventions that blur the boundaries between the mortal and spiritual realms.
From tales of corrupt officials facing supernatural justice to stories of devoted servants and vengeful spirits, *子不語* explores themes of karma, morality, redemption, and the hidden forces governing human fate. The language and storytelling reflect both classical Chinese literary sophistication and an almost modern sensibility about the irrational and inexplicable.
Perfect for listeners interested in Asian literature, paranormal fiction, or the rich tradition of Chinese ghost stories, this audiobook offers a window into how educated elites of imperial China understood the mysterious forces beyond rational explanation.
