The Wife Who Didn't Eat

By: Thersa Matsuura

Narrated by: Thersa Matsuura

A farmer in old Japan prays to the gods for a wife, someone who is kind, beautiful, and hardworking. What would be even better is if she didn’t eat at all, saving him both money and food. Imagine his surprise when just such a woman shows up at his house one night.

But all is not perfect. The gods have quite the sense of humor, and the farmer soon learns what kind of monster he is living with. But is it too late?

“The Wife Who Didn’t Eat” is author Thersa Matsuura’s retelling of a classic horror-tinged Japanese folktale, “Kwazu Nyobo”. Here she reads her version of the story followed by a short commentary with some of her research notes and thoughts on the tale.

Both the short story and commentary come in at just under one hour.

Thersa Matsuura is a published author of two short story collections, one nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. You can also find her on her podcast, Uncanny Japan, where she talks more about the more obscure parts of Japanese culture.

©2018 Thersa Matsuura (P)2022 Thersa Matsuura

Thersa is the best!!

Firstly, I love when authors narrate their own work. Secondly, and most importantly, I am a huge fan of Thresa’s work and storytelling style. Her podcast has been so educational and entertaining, and I highly recommend her work to anyone who has an interest in Japanese culture.