Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness. In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for … secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.
With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.
BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Lisa See’s Peony in Love.
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What a sad yet beautiful book. I adored how this immerse me in another time and place and Loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Excellent book about women and friendships.
love most of lisa see’s books. i always learn so much from them. enjoyable
I loved everything about this book
Very good story!
Terrific author. This was the frst book of hers that I read It led me to read everything else she’s written.
I love learning about different cultures. This book had a great story line as well as learning about Chinese foot binding practices.
One of my favorite books. A wonderful story and with a special insight to the culture. Really interesting characters.
One of my all time favorite books by Lisa See.
one of my all time favorite books!!!!
Great story of friendship and devotion. I was absorbed into this story. I would give it more than 5 stars!
Amazing insight to Chinese culture in the early 1900’s.
Wonderful book. Have read it many times!
I absolutely loved this story of two young girls growing up in a different time and place. The best of Lisa See’s books.
Sad story about life for females in China. The characters pull you in and you have to keep reading!
Good cultural book with insight into Chinese ways.
Looking for an excellent historical novel that gives you both an immersive experience and teaches you? Look no further than Lisa See’s excellent and moving story.
Another depressing, but well written book. Dear Lord in Heaven I don’t understand how any women survived this life and culture. I found the way the culture was lived concerning women and girls absolutely horrid, but that could be because I’m an American and can’t even imagine anything close. I learned a lot, so I’m glad I read it, but it was very …
Days: Daughter Days; Hair-pinning Days; Rice & Salt Days; Sitting Quietly
These are the ages and stages of a woman living in the latter part of the Qing Dynasty (mid-1800s). Narrated by Lily, whose small feet are bound so successfully that she is later able to marry the eldest son of the leader of a large nearby town. She is at age 8 so promising …
A well written book teaching one about a different culture and the women inhabiting it. The two main characters are easy to fall into. Good read.