“The dead are always with us. They just change their forms.”
Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda is a collection of interconnected feminist retellings of traditional Japanese ghost stories and folktales, reimagined with wit, humor, and contemporary social commentary. The book unfolds through a series of vignettes, each offering a fresh perspective on supernatural beings—mostly women—who defy expectations.
Chapter 1: “Smartening Up”
A young woman, dissatisfied with her appearance, visits a mysterious beauty salon where the staff encourages her to embrace her natural self. The story subverts beauty standards, revealing the salon’s workers as spirits who guide women toward self-acceptance.
Chapter 2: “The Peony Lanterns”
A modern retelling of the classic ghost story, where a lonely man falls for a charming woman who turns out to be a ghost. Unlike the original tragic tale, this version gives the ghost agency, and she chooses her own fate.
Chapter 3: “A Fox’s Life”
A fox spirit, traditionally a trickster figure, navigates the modern world with wit and adaptability. The story explores themes of transformation and survival, as the fox shifts between human and animal forms while observing human folly.
Chapter 4: “The Jealous Type”
A woman’s intense jealousy manifests as a vengeful spirit after her death. Instead of being punished, she is recruited by a supernatural agency that channels her rage into protecting other women from toxic relationships.
Chapter 5: “Where the Wild Ladies Are”
The titular story follows a group of female ghosts who form a rebellious community, rejecting the passive roles assigned to them in folklore. They embrace their wildness, finding power in their supernatural existence.
Chapter 6: “My Superpower”
A woman discovers her ability to see ghosts, which initially terrifies her. Over time, she learns to communicate with them, realizing they offer wisdom and companionship rather than fear.
Chapter 7: “Loved One”
A grieving woman is visited by the ghost of her deceased lover, who reassures her that love transcends death. The story blends melancholy with warmth, emphasizing the persistence of emotional bonds.
Chapter 8: “A New Recruit”
A recently deceased woman joins a ghostly workforce that assists the living. The story humorously critiques corporate culture while exploring themes of purpose and legacy.
Chapter 9: “The Missing One”
A family grapples with the disappearance of a daughter, only to realize she has transformed into a spirit. The narrative challenges traditional notions of loss, suggesting that absence doesn’t always mean gone.
Chapter 10: “Team Sarashina”
A group of female spirits bands together to protect a historical site from demolition. The story celebrates collective female power and resistance against erasure.
Key Ideas
- Feminist reinterpretations of Japanese folklore
- Ghosts and spirits as symbols of empowerment
- Critique of societal expectations of women
- Blending of humor and supernatural elements
- Exploration of grief, love, and transformation
Who should read this book?
- Fans of feminist retellings of myths and folktales
- Readers who enjoy magical realism and ghost stories
- Those interested in contemporary Japanese literature
- Anyone seeking witty, thought-provoking fiction