Mountain Rat

ká-sióng #3

by Lulyang Nomin, Yu Teng-Wei (Translator)

A chilling, gothic fable in which the narrator is bitten by a mountain rat while out in the forest. Recalling his grandfather once told him of a bamboo hut where members of the tribe could quarantine for up to two years when they got ill, he rushes home to say goodbye to his wife Yu-Su and pack his bags as a troubling sickness takes hold.

Genres: Short Stories, Horror

24 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2024

Reviews

[Heidi ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating, with the perfect level of weird and gruesome and concrete details to orient yourself around. Uncomfortable and beautiful. I do feel like I’m missing some of the significance though - a translator’s note and an author’s note would be very welcome.

[Hannah Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying, I overlooked the length of this but it was a very pleasant surprise being able to fit this in after finishing another book.

I’m a big fan of translated fiction and this was no exception - think the fables you grew up with, meets Kafka’s Metamorphosis. You’ll find yourself following the mc’s decent and transformation, the fight slowing ebbing away. It’s one of those books that there’s a lot left that could be left to your own interpretation, but the base of the tale is there, and I reaaally liked it.

I also like a book that gives a nod to the influence of religion on a community and in retrospect, I’m actually in awe as to the amount of ground is covered in these 24 pages.

Thank you Stranger Press for the gifted copy!

[Eden Gatsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect amount of weird that you always hope for from the "weird translated fiction" recommendations. It was short and packed a punch but it of course left me wanting more. I would have loved to delve further into the past, into the history of the people of the area, and into the future of the rats.

Also, I think my true calling may be to live as a rat?

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountain Rat by Lulyang Nomin wastes no time in submerging us within the surreal and mystifying story of a man slowly transforming into Busus, the Rat King. After being bitten suddenly by a mountain rat, our protagonist decides to quarantine himself away from his village and into his Grandfather’s old bamboo hut. A fantastical, and slightly terrifying, transformation begins, and the bold features of a rat, including a long, uncontrollable tail, frantically grow from his body. After feeble attempts to regain control, he eventually gives in and allows Busus to lead him deep into the forest beyond.
While the tale of a man transforming into a rat is exciting in itself, Nomin’s story delves into many culturally important and politically engaging topics, including the relationship between the natural and man-made world, exploring aspects of the logging industry and retelling stories of his Grandfather who lived during the Japanese colonial period. The strong presence of Christianity and it’s relationship with the village's people highlights the oppressive nature that forced religion can have upon local communities and the unfortunate eradication of native languages and traditions.
Using Busus to help explore these significant topics, Nomin creates a story bursting with creativity and excitement. The rat: an often overlooked and generally regarded pest, is thrown into the limelight, leading us through the forest and showing us a world full of colour and wonder, but equally one full of horror and despair.

[Elena L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

[ 3.5/5 stars ]

In MOUNTAIN RAT, a man is bitten by a mountain rat and he needs to quarantine in his grandfather-built hut. This is a cacophony of chaotic consciousness, in which restlessness, sensorial and illusory vibes populate the pages. This story feels very vague and it allows one to come to one's own interpretation.

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Strangers Press . All thoughts are my own ]

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with elements combining those of tales of Kafka, Poe, and Lovecraft, making for a contemporary folktale about the destruction of human souls by evil but natural forces. An allusion seems to be made, too, about dehumanizing labor, martial history, and alien religions whose spiritual forces are no match for indigenous spiritual forces.

For more of my reviews, please see https://www.thebookbeat.com/backroom/...

[Karolina Góras · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Horror to nie jest, raczej komedia

[Christopher Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hey boss I can’t come into work today I’m 100% demon rat

[Lilian Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will be recommending around

[BattlecatReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A weird one but the best cover! I want that as a poster please! Short, but packed a punch. So much in it: indigenous tribes, death, possession, religion… The indigenous taiwanese kafkaesque metamorphosis? Worth the read!