Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Snow Flower and the
Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See
Rating: 4
Genre:Historical Fiction

I'm glad I finaly read this book, it has been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years now. I can see why this book is a popular bookclub book. It's not a particularly happy story, but it is one you will gain something from.

The story takes place in 19th century China in a remote part of the country. Lily, the main character and narrator, comes from a Chinese family of low status. However, she may be able to rise to a higher status because of her "perfect" feet and the match of a laotang (a girl who is sworn to another girl to be there for each other their entire lives). Lily and Snow Flower become laotang and enter into a lifetime of ups and downs. Both girls face obstacles unthinkable to most woman today; footbinding, arranged marriage, and complete submissiviness. An added dimension to this story is the use of nu shu, a secret language used by Chinese women to communicate with each other without men being able to understand the writings.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is very enlightening about some parts of the 19th century Chinese culture. It also made me think and learn more about myself and hopefully taught me to make better decisions in the future.
Overall, a great read, if not the happiest of books.

I will also be watching this movie in the near future and posting a book/movie comparison...