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.
more
The book tells a wonderful story about the world of China in the past and how they treated the women of that time period. It also tells of the suffering of the women involved in that story. It is a piece of the history of old times of China. I really enjoyed reading that book.
Wonderful insight to Chinese women’s culture. Very touching!
What a difficult story. I don’t know where else I could possibly start with this review. This is not a sweet or uplifting read. But that isn’t to say the book isn’t worth reading. There are some beautiful and moving lessons about friendship residing in the pages telling the story of Snow Flower and Lily. I was intrigued by the history and cultural …
Great portrayal of women’s plight in that time period and culture.
My favorite book of all times.
I can’t say enough about this book!!!!
Very good book.
One of my all time favorites
I have to admit I did not choose this book, I was bullied into reading it by a friend who would not stop talking about it. I finally took it thinking I would just skim through it and give it back. But,, from the first chapter I was drawn back to the pages. I was deeply involved in the lives of two young Chinese girls during the era where …
Loved this one
I learned a lot about China and after reading this book, I wanted to read others by the author.
I was blown away by this book. I studied Chinese History in Junior High and had a little bit of background and prep for the Chinese culture but this knocked my socks off. The beginning is a bit tedious but the writer has a lot to set up, and to introduce the reader to so much. So well written, so full of turmoil and culture and facts I never …
I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written and was one of those books where you felt that you actually knew the characters in the book.
This is an outstanding book which caused me to continue to WANT to read ANYTHING by Lisa See ( and I HAVE read as many of her books as I could since)
Hard to put down. Some unexpected twists.
Horrific information about foot binding.
Although this book was just another look at Chinese culture; it was enjoyable.
Slow and repetitive.
Tale has such an impactful ending.
insighful writing about an little known aspect of this culture