The Fox Woman

Inspired by the Japanese myth of the fox who falls in love with a nobleman and becomes a woman “a wise, witty, and wonderful” historical fantasy (James Gunn).

Yoshifuji is a man fascinated by foxes, a man troubled by the meaning of life. A misstep at court forces him to retire to his country estate, to contemplate the next move that might return him to favor.

Kitsune is a young fox who is fascinated by the large creatures that have suddenly invaded her world. She is drawn to them and to Yoshifuji. She comes to love him and will do anything to become a human woman to be with him.

Shikujo is Yoshifuji's wife, ashamed of her husband, yet in love with him and uncertain of her role in his world. She is confused by his fascination with the creatures of the wood, and especially the foxes that she knows in her heart are harbingers of danger. She sees him slipping away and is determined to win him back from the wild . . .for all that she has her own fox-related secret.

Magic binds them all. And in the making (and breaking) of oaths and honors, the patterns of their lives will be changed forever.

“Wonderfully evocative and gripping.” —Charles de Lint

“A magnificent book, powerfully and profoundly moving.” —Lloyd Alexander

“If you want lush prose, romantic settings, and a poetry-of-the-soul book, run—do not walk—to get this.” —Jane Yolen

“Kij Johnson reminds us that the magic (and strength) of Fantasy is seeing ourselves in the mirror of the Other. Never has that mirror shimmered more seductively. Look.” —Terry Bisson

“A beautifully written and poignant fable.” —Kevin J. Anderson