So, what's this book actually about? 耳食录 (which roughly means "Stories Heard by Ear") is a collection of short, strange tales written by Yue Jun in the late 1700s. It's not one continuous story, but a series of quick hits—encounters with mischievous fox spirits, vengeful ghosts, wise monks, and bewildered scholars. The plots are simple: a man makes a promise to a spirit and breaks it, a traveler stumbles into a phantom banquet, a strange object brings unexpected fortune or ruin. The magic is in how these brief events expose the hearts of the people involved.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it's surprisingly modern in its psychology. The supernatural elements aren't just for frights; they're tools. A ghost might appear not to haunt, but to deliver a lesson about loyalty. A fox spirit's trick reveals human hypocrisy. Yue Jun had a sharp, often witty, eye for how people fool themselves. Reading it, you stop worrying about the creature in the dark and start thinking about the character's choices. It’s a fascinating look at a world where the line between reality and the uncanny was beautifully, terrifyingly thin.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who enjoy thoughtful, atmospheric short stories over blood-and-guts horror. Fans of writers like Lafcadio Hearn or the quiet eeriness in some of Murakami's work will find a kindred spirit here. It's also a fantastic, accessible gateway into classical Chinese literature—you get philosophy, social commentary, and a good chill, all in bite-sized pieces. Just be prepared for these elegant little ghosts to follow you around long after you close the book.