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 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.
“From the Hardcover edition.”
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Sexual Content - 3/5
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Violence - 4/5
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Language - 2/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 1/5
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Summary
Overall This is one of my favorite books. i loved it. Lisa See is a brilliant author. I have read about the Chinese culture and the history of Chinese women but I never read in detail foot binding. But Lisa See gives us a graphic introduction here. I had no idea how dangerous it was. The relationships are so interesting and well developed. The friendship between Snow Flower and Lily the main character takes so many twists. It turns out to be the most constant thing in their lives. I would highly
recommend this book especially for young women who are in friendships themselves and could learn about commitment, love and keeping secrets.
Violence This historical novel does detail things that happened in history that are disturbing but unfortunately true.
Review by Ahna.