81 pages • 2 hours read
The Night Tiger
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Malaya • 1930s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo, set in 1930s colonial-era Malaya, intertwines the lives of Ren, a house servant on a quest to reunite his deceased master's amputated finger with his body, and Ji Lin, a young woman entangled in a series of mysterious deaths and a forbidden romance, against a backdrop rich in mythology and historical intrigue. Topics present include violence and human limb amputation.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
72,627 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo is lauded for its immersive setting in 1930s colonial Malaysia, richly woven folklore, and multidimensional characters. The intertwining narratives of Ji Lin and Ren captivate readers, while some find the pacing uneven and the plot overly complex. Nonetheless, its atmospheric charm and compelling mystery largely triumph.
Who Should Read The Night Tiger?
Fans of magical realism and historical fiction will delight in The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo. Readers who enjoyed Life of Pi by Yann Martel and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern will find themselves captivated by this richly woven tale set in 1930s colonial Malaysia. The novel’s blend of mythology, mystery, and romance appeals to lovers of lyrical storytelling.
72,627 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ren
Ren
A young and earnest orphan servant with a keen interest in medicine, Ren's journey highlights his intelligence and vulnerability as he navigates the hierarchical society around him.
Shin
Shin
Ji Lin's stepbrother, who contrasts with her due to his more privileged social and financial status, serves as her confidante and love interest as he becomes involved in her quest.
Dr. William Acton
Dr. William Acton
An English doctor living in Malaya, whose actions and relationships with local women raise questions about his intentions and colonial mindset.
384
Novel • Fiction
Malaya • 1930s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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