9 Books Featuring Haunted Asian Girls

Asian women have long been central figures in stories of ghosts and horror in cinema, but English literature has been slower to catch up. The prevalence of female ghosts across Asia is intriguing, as their origins often stem from concepts of failed femininity and spoiled maternity. These ghostly figures embody a mix of marginalization, fearsome empowerment, and freedom from restrictive gender norms. In countries like Singapore and Malaysia, female artists have explored complex and sympathetic portrayals of iconic figures like the vampiric pontianak.

The representation of Asian women in horror literature is often intersectional, especially when it comes to queer writers. These stories delve into themes of systemic oppression, trauma, and societal injustices that haunt the characters. One such example is the novel „The Dark We Know,“ where Chinese American protagonist Isadora Chang confronts her past and the supernatural forces that plague her secluded hometown.

Several books have emerged that focus on haunted Asian girls and women, delving into not only literal ghosts and hauntings but also the underlying specters of patriarchy, colonialism, racism, and unresolved grief. These narratives explore the complexities of female experiences in Asian societies and diaspora communities.

Han Kang’s „The Vegetarian“ is a dark and surreal novel that follows a Korean woman’s journey as she rejects meat consumption and societal norms, delving into themes of patriarchy, abuse, and female autonomy. Trang Thanh Tran’s „She is A Haunting“ and Christina Li’s „The Manor of Dreams“ offer sapphic gothic tales that intertwine family legacies, colonial histories, and supernatural elements.

C. Pam Zhang’s „How Much of These Hills Is Gold“ takes readers on a haunting journey through the American West, following two Chinese sisters as they navigate grief, loss, and the pursuit of a new home. Zen Cho’s „Black Water Sister“ and Hanna Alkaf’s „The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s“ explore Malaysian settings filled with ghosts, family secrets, and the complexities of identity and mental health.

June Hur’s „The Forest of Stolen Girls“ and Kylie Lee Baker’s „Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng“ offer historical mysteries and contemporary horror stories that blend folklore, trauma, and the supernatural. Monika Kim’s „The Eyes Are The Best Part“ delves into themes of cannibalism, fetishization, and coming-of-age through the lens of a Korean American college student obsessed with eyes.

These haunting tales of Asian women in literature offer a diverse and nuanced exploration of female experiences, societal pressures, and the supernatural. Through these narratives, readers can delve into the complexities of identity, trauma, and the enduring legacy of ghosts that haunt both the living and the dead.