When Fox is a Thousand

by Larissa Lai
When Fox is a Thousand cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Magical Realism
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  • ID: 5943
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9781551523392
  • Publisher: arsenal pulp press
  • Published: 2004-09-01
  • Reviews: 3

When Fox is a Thousand is a captivating novel that seamlessly intertwines three distinct narratives, each rich with cultural and historical depth. The story follows an elusive fox on her journey toward wisdom and her 1000th birthday, the ninth-century Taoist poet and nun Yu Hsuan-Chi, and Artemis, an Asian-American woman navigating contemporary Vancouver. The novel is celebrated for its beautiful prose and enchanting storytelling, combining Chinese mythology, sexual politics of medieval China, and modern-day themes. First published in 1995 and reissued with a new foreword, this edition continues to enchant readers with its potent imagination and verbal skill. Larissa Lai's novel masterfully revises the myth of the Fox, a figure capable of inhabiting women's bodies to cause mischief. The book's lyrical and magical elements create a haunting tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. With its blend of poetry, folklore, and fairytale elements, When Fox is a Thousand offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

Reviews
Lesbrary · Danika · 2016-04-10
engaging 4.50

The book is immersive and atmospheric, with a languid pace and poetic language. It's a book best enjoyed with others.

Danika found the book to be deeply immersive, with a pace that allows the reader to fully absorb the poetic language and atmospheric setting. They suggest that this is a book best read and discussed with others, as it offers rich material for conversation and reflection. The blend of folklore and modern storytelling creates a unique and engaging narrative that lingers with the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's immersive and atmospheric, unfolding at a languid pace while enveloping you in the poetic language.

    This is a book that I think would be best read with others.

    The blend of folklore and modern storytelling creates a unique and engaging narrative.

Write Readerly · 2013-09-23
sophisticated 4.75

The book is a sophisticated diaspora novel that questions identity, race, sexuality, and gender with innovative flair.

The reviewer from Write Readerly highlights the book's sophisticated exploration of identity, race, sexuality, and gender. They appreciate the innovative flair with which these themes are addressed, making it a standout diaspora novel. The book's ability to tackle complex issues in a fresh and engaging way is particularly commended.

Quick quotes

    It's a highly sophisticated diaspora novel, questioning identity, race, sexuality and gender in classic 90s fashion, but with genuine and innovative flair.

    The book's ability to tackle complex issues in a fresh and engaging way is particularly commended.

    A standout diaspora novel that offers a unique perspective on identity and culture.

The Eyrie · 2005-01-30
beautiful 4.00

The book is beautifully written and offers a unique twist on old mythology. It's worth reading, especially in a group setting.

The reviewer at The Eyrie praises the book for its beautiful writing and its innovative take on old mythology. They suggest that it's a book worth reading, particularly if you have others to read it with. The narrative's depth and complexity make it a great choice for book clubs or discussion groups.

Quick quotes

    If you're in the mood for a beautifully written twist on an old mythology, this is worth a look.

    Particularly if you have others to read it with.

    The narrative's depth and complexity make it a great choice for book clubs or discussion groups.

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