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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author: Lisa See

Book Information
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780812968064 - ISBN-10: 0812968069
Publication Date: 2/21/2006
Pages: 272


Other Versions of this Book: Audio CD (Abridged), Hardcover

Book Description:
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.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Jane (mahbaar) wrote on 4/25/2007...

52 member(s) found this review helpful.

I couldn't put this book down. A truly amazing work!

When Lily is matched with Snow Flower as a laotong (lifelong friend), everything seems magnificent. But when the true reason for the loatong match is revealed, only time will tell whether their friendship will survive. The story, as told by Lily who has reached the end of her long life, is filled with both the joys and sorrows of girls growing up in early 1800's China. It is filled with detailed accounts of the Chinese culture of those times and the harsh realities of those who lived in rural China. A fascinating and gripping tale of the strength of women, even if they are considered as lesser beings by the society around them.

A must-read for anyone who enjoys first-person narrative and historical fiction.

Michelle R. (lilynlilac) wrote on 6/12/2007...

22 member(s) found this review helpful.

Wow! I was very impressed with this book. This was my first look into the Chinese culture and now I'm hooked. I had no idea what foot binding entailed and it was so interesting to learn of a female's upbringing and place in society. Would make a great book club read. Highly recommended.

Melody wrote on 4/11/2007...

22 member(s) found this review helpful.

A beautiful and emotional of two girls growing up in 18th century China. This book is well written. It gives a look into Chinese culture, traditions, and the role of women.

Jenny R. (jennala9) - FL wrote on 5/9/2007...

19 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful story that tells us so much about the Chinese culture at that time and also is a story for women, about the strength of women and the bond between women. Great book!! Highly recommended!

Rhonda (pinkcypress) wrote on 5/19/2007...

18 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is an extraordinary story! Loved every word in it, all the way through to the end. Even though the setting is a world so very different from this one, Lisa See manages to make the reader feel completely at home there.

Shelby H. (Shaverda) wrote on 7/29/2007...

17 member(s) found this review helpful.

I found this book to be extremely overrated. I wouldn't have finished it except for thinking that so many people can't be wrong; maybe if I read fifty more pages I'll become entranced...

Well, I was wrong. When the story was over and done with, yeah, the plot was good, the writing was good... except for one crucial little detail. I found I really didn't care what happened to the characters; none of them seemed real or deep.

Jennifer T. (janiejane) wrote on 5/19/2007...

17 member(s) found this review helpful.

If you've ever wondered about the practice of foot-binding in China, this is the book for you. This book also has a main character who is not entirely sympathetic, but that by the end you like despite her shortcomings. This would be a great book for a book club!

Lara H. (Larmabean) wrote on 9/10/2007...

11 member(s) found this review helpful.

Absolutely amazing! I couldn't put this book down. If you liked Memiors of a Geisha and any book by Amy Tan, you will most certainly love this book.

Betty B. wrote on 9/5/2007...

10 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a beautiful heartbreaking story about the agony of footbinding and arranged marriages, extreme loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood.

Jacky K. (Jacky) wrote on 6/29/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

Beautifully written book that really touched my heart. I hope whomever reads it next is equally blessed.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Deven L. wrote on 10/22/2009...


This book was great! It uses actual historic facts in the story line, and things that women really went through within that time period.

Steph M. (bug25) wrote on 10/22/2009...


I have to admit that I learned a few things from this book, and we did have some interesting discussions about it at our book club, but it was VERY slow and I could hardly push myself to get through it.

Helene B. wrote on 10/20/2009...


Great book!!!

Ann A. wrote on 8/5/2009...


What a fabulous book! I highly recommend this as an entertaining novel as well as an enlightening book on rural China during the late 1800's.

Barbara B. wrote on 8/4/2009...


Wonderful story. Captured me right away and continued to 'hold' me until the end.

Janice W. wrote on 7/24/2009...


Great read! I learned so much and had a hard time putting the book down. I recommend it most highly.

Jennifer B. wrote on 7/23/2009...


I only thought the process of how foot binding was done interesting....the rest of the book is just okay

Heidi K. wrote on 7/21/2009...


Very interesting from a cultural perspective and the story kept me riveted throughout the entire book.

Shirlee F. wrote on 7/21/2009...


Great book! I want to read more from this author!

Tracy K. wrote on 7/7/2009...


My favorite book ever!


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