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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Escape to a place and time totally new (to me, anyway) with fully realized people and situations that unfold unexpectedly but believably. You’ll be haunted by this wonderful book for a long time – its the kind of book you’ll want your friends to read
It was okay.
Lisa See became one of my favorite authors after I read this magical tale. Also fantastic is her tale of her family’s true journey to CA, “On Gold Mountain”. Any of her books are worth reading!
I loved this book! The details of Snow Flower and Lily ‘s day to day life were fascinating. The restrictions of the classes were stunning. The foot binding was unbelievable. The marriage and birth customs were amazing. The value of females was low and yet they managed to have this strong connection and make their way of life work. Much sorrow …
One of my all-time favorites. Truly memorable and everyone I recommended it to has felt similarly.
A beautiful story of how friendships between women take place in other cultures. In China in this case. I would not recommend this to a man, but women will love it.
I usually can’t put down a book by Lisa See. With this one I read only when I had nothing better to do.
Lisa See is a wonderful storyteller. She creates the world of 19th century China and brings it to life in the characters of Lilly and Snow Flower. Woman in past centuries in many countries have led circumscribed lives: so many rules, expectations, limitations. Ms. See shows us their lives, without judging. Readers are left to form their own …
This book is beautifully written. Although sad, a realistic look at Women’s lives in China when foot binding was still practiced. I intend to read all of Lisa See books.
The characters were realistic and opened the door to an unknown part of the world for me. The details were wonderful, the story kept me turning pages continually. This is the second Lisa See book I’ve read and will read more from her.
A glimpse into the lives of girls growing to womanhood in 18th century China. Very interesting.
I read this many books ago, but remember thoroughly enjoying it. Chinese culture and practices high lighted were both mesmerizing and tragic. This is a book that I recommended and loaned out to several friends.
This is the most unique book I have read in years. Different plot, different characters, and a totally different background. So refreshing not to be able to figure out what happens next. I plan to read more of this author’s books.
Liked the characters, liked the story. Sad, but lovely. Highly recommend
Wonderfully written where you feel immersed in the culture during that era. Where all of these cultural norms and practices weren’t looked at as cruel and mean. But yet she survived and thrived. It was an inspiring read.
A fascinating view of old China and two of the women of that era. It’s amazing to read about their insular lives and how they rose above it.
Really made me glad to be a woman in the US- and in this time frame since women in so many other countries are treated so poorly even today
I found it a riveting read. A gripping story of two best friends whose lives take very different directions in old China. It recounts their pain and joys in life as the old traditions give way to the new.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Historical in nature, it is sweet, happy, sad, and heart wrenching. Beautifully written with wonderful characters.
One of the best books I have ever read. A beautiful story of friendship and the hard life people endured during this era.