Yue Jun's 耳食錄 (published around the late 1700s/early 1800s) is a classic of Chinese supernatural fiction. The title itself is a clue: it means stories 'heard by the ear,' suggesting they are collected folklore and rumors, not inventions. The book isn't one novel, but a series of short, strange tales. They paint a picture of a world where the barrier between the human and spirit realms is very thin.

The Story

There isn't one plot. Instead, think of it as a window into dozens of little mysteries. A scholar falls in love with a beautiful woman who turns out to be a fox spirit. A man helps a ghost find peace, and is rewarded in a surprising way. Someone enters a breathtaking landscape in a dream, only to find a real, physical token from it when they wake up. The stories aren't always about good versus evil. Often, the spirits and ghosts have their own logic, their own sense of justice, or their own loneliness. The human characters are usually everyday people—scholars, farmers, officials—who stumble into these encounters, and their reactions range from terror to curiosity to deep affection.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it feels authentic. It doesn't try to shock you with gore; it unsettles you with possibility. The writing is elegant but clear, and the weirdness feels matter-of-fact. A fox spirit isn't just a monster; she might be a devoted wife or a tricky teacher. This makes the supernatural elements feel woven into the fabric of daily life, not separate from it. Reading it, you get a sense of what fascinated, scared, and amused people 200 years ago. The themes are timeless: love, loss, promises kept and broken, and the consequences of our actions, whether we're dealing with people or spirits.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves folklore, myth, or just a really good, imaginative story. If you enjoy the vibe of Studio Ghibli films, where the magical coexists with the ordinary, you'll find a kindred spirit here. It's also a fantastic pick for readers curious about pre-modern Chinese literature but who want to start with something accessible and engaging, not a dense epic. Fair warning: it's a collection, so it's perfect for dipping in and out of. Keep it by your bedside, read one tale a night, and let your imagination wander to a world where anything heard might just be true.