I’m really looking for some recommendations on some classical East Asian Literature with some dark themes or storylines. I’ve read my fair share of samurai stories filled with the gore and horrific elements of those periods, but I’ve noticed that most of these are more modern pieces of literature and I’d like to really dip my toes into some classical literature (for reference I have read things like Gilgamesh and the Tales of Genji, but also more modern recommendations like Norwegian Wood.)
I tend to prefer pretty dark stories so I was hoping to have something with more overtly dark tones, but I’ll take any recommendation at this point. I tried to do some research on my own, but I couldn’t easily find more classical or older novels that fit the bill.
I hope this makes sense, I’m struggling to word myself right now but I appreciate any recommendations!
by classicalcorpse
2 Comments
Have you read the Condor Trilogy? It’s not extremely dark but definitely has serious themes. Finally got translated to English a few years ago but has long been considered a classic of Chinese literature.
I’m a big fan of Empress by Shan Sa. It deals more with politics of an empire than action, but it’s really intense and dark.
It’s based off the first and only female emperor of China. Some of it is true and some is fictionalized.