Reinterpreting the classic 'Strange Tales' with a contemporary flair

At 91, literary master Wang Meng is breathing new life into China’s classic ghost stories. His latest book, Extreme Tales of the Strange, reimagines Pu Songling’s iconic Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio for a modern audience, proving that ancient tales still have much to offer in today’s world.

Published by Sichuan People’s Publishing House, the book features 50 of Pu’s most fascinating stories. But this is no mere retelling. Wang describes his approach as a "lively chat" with the ancient classic, linking tales of ghosts, scholars and fox spirits to contemporary struggles—from workplace pressures to questions of personal identity.

Wang’s work continues China’s rich practice of "story-renewal", where each generation reinterprets classics anew. He follows literary pioneers like Lu Xun, who a century ago infused ancient myths with modern irony in Old Tales Retold. Wang’s innovation, however, lies in his fusion of personal insight with broader philosophical frameworks. He organizes the stories into four themes inspired by Zhuangzi: Human World, Equality of Things, Free and Easy Wandering and The Great Master, highlighting their timeless relevance to human nature and societal dynamics.

This creative dialogue with the past is a global phenomenon. Wang’s project finds a parallel in American author Percival Everett’s novel James—a National Book Award-winning retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. Both authors masterfully shift viewpoints, challenging old narratives and inviting fresh discussions.

At the book’s launch during the 2025 Tianfu Book Fair, Wang revealed that the project took 30 years to mature and two-and-a-half years to write. He emphasized that Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?"reaches the limits of imagination and human exploration", with a unique "literary logic" that prioritizes emotional resonance over rigid rationality.

The release has garnered acclaim from critics and peers alike. Xu Zechen, editor-in-chief of People’s Literature, praised Wang’s ability to "innovate within tradition" during the book’s launch event. He noted that Wang’s work embodies "respect for both the past and the present", a theme Xu himself explored in his writing on cross-cultural narratives.

Wang Meng’s career spans over seven decades, encompassing roles as a writer, former Minister of Culture, and recipient of the "People’s Artist" award. His productivity remains undimmed—Extreme Tales of the Strange is one of three works he published in 2025 alone, alongside Poems of China and Summer Collection.

"Writing is my life," Wang stated in a recent interview. "As long as I can hold a pen, I’ll keep exploring how classics can illuminate contemporary realities." His latest work not only revitalizes Pu Songling’s legacy but also reinforces the role of Chinese literature in global conversations about cultural continuity and innovation.

Rya Zhu, as a playwright, writer, and translator, brings narrative depth to the exploration of cultural heritage.