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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A thought-provoking story by a gifted story teller!
“For my entire life I longed for love. I knew it was not right for me – as a girl and later as a woman – to want or expect it, but I did, and this unjustified desire has been at the root of every problem I have experienced in my life.” A few sentences into the prologue and I was already drawn …
I have all of Lisa See’s novels—–I realized that we cannot always choose who we love—-and that love may not always coincide with our beliefs—–this is a beautiful book and one that was discussed —-sometimes with heat—-by my book club—-however, in the end, we all agreed that it was a beauty story—–that introduced us to a different …
Wonderful characters, interesting plot and culture
great book to gift – one of my top 10 reads ever, gave this book to 6 ladies in my life all different ages and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Lisa See does not disappoint.
Great storyline,
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the lives of these young Chinese girls and lives that are so different from ours.
I have read many of her books.
A look at old and today’s China. The more China claims to have changed, the more it will never change.
I loved learning more about the Chinese culture.
One of my favorite books of all time!! Tragic and informative
Historical novel about life of girls in old China. Binding of young girls feet was so traumatic to them but parents still did it as a symbol of excellent marriage possibilities. Girls/females were only valued as mothers for sons.
Interesting story about the lives of women in 19th centaury China, very informative about how women were treated and how they viewed themselves as of little value and as baby machines as long as the babies were boys. Good insight into the relationship between two girls/women.
Lisa See draws me into her world in a rhythmic dance with words and emotions.
I love her books.
Simply one of the best books I have ever read.
Informative, original & a lovely st
This was an excellent book. I hated to see the ending it was that good.
Thought provoking and informative
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is one of my favorite books. I would highly recommend reading this book.
A window into the world of Chinese women during the time of foot binding.
I very much enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down as I got deeper and deeper into the hearts and souls of the women.