Book Information
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ISBN-13: 9780812968064 - ISBN-10: 0812968069 Publication Date: 2/21/2006 Pages: 272 |
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Book Reviews of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
185 Book Reviews submitted by our Members
sorted by voted most helpful
Jane (
53 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. (
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.
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. (
20 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 (
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. (
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.
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!
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.
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.
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
Beautifully written book that really touched my heart. I hope whomever reads it next is equally blessed.
Leigh P. (
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the few books I've read in my life that brought me to tears. It's an unabashed tribute and unashamed celebration of friendship. Whatever circumstances draw two people together, whatever emotions cause a friendship to form, whatever reasons the friendship remains - they're all examined here. See makes an excellent case for swallowing one's pride in order to continue with a life.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
A wonderful historical glimpse into 19th century China peopled with intriguing characters. This book definitely makes you question the roles of protagonist and antagonist.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was one of the BEST books I've ever read - enough said. An amazing story about friendship, loyalty and love. You will not soon forget this after you're done reading it. And you also will wish it never ended.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book in just over 1 day as I could hardly put it down. Reading it gave me some insight into Chinese culture, especially the complicated rules people live by. My emotions were tugged in many directions as the story progressed and eventually I was left with a healthy respect for the writer's work. Reading the authors note about the writing of this book alone was interesting.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautiful and eloquent tale of life in China. Detail about foot binding and the socio economic status of the different classes. A tale of relationships and what the lack of honesty can do. This is one of my all time favorites!
Allison D. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a well-written piece of fiction that delved into the secret world of women's writing in China. Even without background on this period in Chinese history, it is easy for the reader to visualize the difficulties of growing up as a Chinese woman. Whether it was the painfully vivid descriptions of foot binding, the explanations of the intricacies of nu shu (women's writing), or the sorrowful ups and downs in the relationship between Lily and Snow Flower, Lisa See does a masterful job tying together facts and fantasy in a way that captivates the reader
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
A personal account of Chinese women in the early 19th century. How they coped with living in a society that considered them worthless because of their gender. The deep friendships, secret writings and singing that sustained them through the most difficult times. The horrific process of foot binding that they prayed would produce small 3 inch feet that were considered beautiful, even though they could barely walk on them the rest of their lives. All of these things and more make this an engrossing book you won't soon forget.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is an amazing book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can see why this was a national bestseller. It's vivid, heartfelt, expertly crafted, and soulful. I felt as though I were back in 19th century China, a China where the majority of the people including the men hadn't been beyond their small town, a China where women had their feet broken and bound, a China where a woman's worth was only in producing sons for her husband's family. You get a glimpse of the inner life, secret thoughts, hopes, and squabbles of two women who are lifelong friends. If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, you should read this story.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
An amazing story of friendship and love. I couldn't put it down. Very well written and engaging.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very interesting story and a look at a very different culture.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
so beautiful i wept
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Emotional story! Great book!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Turn off the TV, grab a snack and a glass of wine, and settle in for a deeply satisfying read. Author Lisa See has written an absorbing and touching tale set in 19th century China. The characters are well-developed and you grow to care deeply for them. The reader will also learn something about historic Chinese culture and the now-forbidden custom of foot-binding. A five-star novel, highly recommended.
Heidi K. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was beautifully written! The story wraps around your mind, and you can't stop thinking about the characters, their emotions, and the outcome of their actions until long after you put the book down. I also learned a lot about the Chinese culture and the reasoning behind some of their customs.
Karen F. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Perhaps it was all the hype about this book, but I found it rather disappointing. The writing was excellent, the portrayal of the era and the rituals (particularly footbinding) was outstanding, but overall I found the it rather bleak and a bit boring. Admittedly it seemed a true reflection of the time and place, but the plot had some twists and turns that I believe would have been fascinating had the characters had any ability to affect their destinies. Since they didn't, they came across as a series of depressing events that just kept piling up.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was our book club book for May. Lots of lively discussions about the Chinese culture. Book has many twists and turns.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of my favorites. It is amazing to read about other cultures and what thyre women went through. I know this is fiction but it is historically correct about women's lives in that point of time. Thank goodness we live here and now.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A deeply moving story of the bond between two girls throughout their lives.... I learned alot about the Chinese cultures. Very interesting!
Peggy L. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wish I could say this lived up to the hype but I found this book incredibly boring. But it did have one of the most graphic, too-realistic description of footbinding- shudder!
Jackie Y. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Beautiful and heartbreaking.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
My best friend recommended this book to me, telling me it was one of the best books she's ever read. Not only did I also love the book, but it helped me see the importance of my friendship with her.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A fast read. Interesting historical fiction of 19th century China. Plot was weak and there were inconsistencies. It was an interesting look at the role of middle and upper-middle class women and they're relationships to each other.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is a must read. It is about a friendship developed between to girls during the era in china that foot binding, arranged marriages, and secret messages were popular. This book was a page turner that i could not set down.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Engrossing. Fasinating glimse of a totally foreign culture.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautiful story of friendship and love set in mid 19th Century China.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautifully told story with the added benefit of learning about seldom taught aspects of Chinese culture.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Story of two young girls enduring footbinding and arranged marriages in 19th century China. They find solace in messages they send to each other on fans using a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret away from the influences of men.
Excellent read!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
The binding of Chinese women's feet was was ended just under 60 year ago! This book details the indoctrination of a culture to believe that women are worthless except to please men. To this day, female infants are aborted, murdered or abandoned in China because of the residual of this belief system. This is a sweet, tragic story of the suffering of both women and men in an oppressive culture. Wonderful, heartbreaking, but redemptive story of the deep love between women. I couldn't put it down. My husband read it and was blown away! A good read for every adult women and man in our free culture.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This story helped me tremendously to understand a culture and a way of life I can't even imagine enduring, yet millions have. I couldn't put it down. It's a story of love and the absence of it, of committment, of courage.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
My best friend recommended for me!! Emotional, grabs your attention from the start!!!
Rachel (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was excellent. The descriptions of the classical culture, including foot binding, arranged marriages, and traditional female roles, were incredible. The ending was perfect, not in a "everything turned out great" way, but in a realistic way. I am reading "Peony in Love" now, and I think I'm hooked on this author.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was hard to read because it was so emotional - great joy and sadness.
Jennifer P. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Interesting story about two women and their lives together. I didn't find the story very exciting or even appealing. I found this book boring and never could get caught up in it.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
this is one of the best books i've read in a long time. If you like Chinese culture,then this is the book to read.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I thought this book was very overrated. It had some intresting parts about foot binding and such but it was not a great story.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great insight into the ancient Chinese culture of foot binding. It would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent book! A true testament of women's relationships. I loved it and look forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I think this had to be one of the best books I've read in a while. I was able to connect with the friendship shared by the characters.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! I could not put this book down. We read it for our book club and what an excellent choice. Made a great discussion as well. Looking forward to reading more of Lisa See.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book. It has a simplistic style of writing that is beautiful and thought provoking. This is a tale of true friendship with its ups and downs. It has opened my eyes on how I can be a better friend.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Definitely a "must read". Wonderful characters. A powerful portrayal of friendship and love...very moving!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I truly enjoyed reading this book.It gave a glimpse into a long ago type of life in China but the women's feelings were similar to any woman at any time.
Janet B. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
a marvelous narrative, a timeless portratit of contenious, full-blooded
female frienship. In nineteenth-century china, in a remote hunan country.
two female we be paired for a life time.
this was on of the best summer novels for a great fast reading.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Simply put: wonderful!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I don't review books becuase choosing a book is such a personal preference. However, when I finished this book I had only one comment....
WOW!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Delicious! Great way to live the life of a Chinese woman without leaving the comfort of my reading chair. Compliments "Memoirs of a Geisha" very nicely.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Beautiful book.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I truly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down, it was so
entertaining. Want to read more books by this author!
Kristine C. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Not one I would have picked up on my own but on my book club list and it was incredible!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a fantastic book about friendship. I learned a lot about the Chinese footbinding, as well. This is a great, easy read.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great read. If you enjoyed "Girl with a Pearl Earring", you'll love this one, too. My cover is different but I'm not able to post this book without using the ISBN CODE it certainly is worth reading!
Stephanie H. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I LOVED this book. The imagery is wonderful, the story is compelling... It is just a GREAT read.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very interesting tale about the lives of women and girls in early China, from footbinding to friendships and marriage.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very interesting book. I enjoyed learning about the tradition of footbinding and about Chinese culture.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Extremely engaging novel about women and friendship set in 19th century China
Patti S. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I had a hard time putting down this book and felt utterly transported to a village in the Hunan province in central south China during the early to mid-nineteenth century. The narrator, 80-year-old Lily, who refers to herself as one who has "yet to die," tells the story of her life. She has outlived her family members and relates the story of her formative years--and her relationship with another woman, Snow Flower. This well written tale is related with clarity, sentiment, and most poignantly, remorse. It's through remorse that the reader comes to know the true character of Lily, as she reflects upon a misunderstanding she had with her one true love.
Beyond the reflection of Lily's relationship with Snow Flower, a girl she meets at the age of six when they are introduced by the local matchmaker and tied by contract to forever be known as "laotongs," or "old sames," this story provides a lesson in Chinese history and culture. Many have heard of the tradition of feet binding, but through Lisa See's writing, one experiences the excruciating pain and the meaning behind a mother's duty to bind her "worthless" daughters' feet. It's all about marriage and, of course, sex. At once I went to the Internet to look for images of bound feet because I had a terribly hard time visualizing a foot only seven centimeters in length.
I enjoyed every minute of reading this story and I highly recommend it. I think it would make an excellent selection for book clubs, given the vast number of elements to spark topics of conversation: Chinese culture--past and present; Mother-daughter relationships; Foot-binding; Arranged marriage; Female relationships; Lesbian relationships (?); Chinese history; Chinese foods; Chinese geography, etc.
From the author of "A Line Between Friends," McKenna Publishing Group.
Kristin T. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I fell in love with this story! I couldn't put the book down. The details of the Chinese culture were amazing. The twists and turns in the book were captivating. I was sad to see the story end. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Trish F. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved it!!!! Shows the enduring strength of two women and the evolution of the bond between them from early childhood until death. Very moving...reminded me of "Memoirs of a Geisha"...just takes you to another place and makes you really care about the characters and what they are going through.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great read, definatly worth cuddleing up with on a rainy afternoon.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book so much! I've been a big fan of Amy Tan's novels for years and came accross this book at a book exchange. It was the first I'd heard about Lisa See and now I want to read more from her! I could not put this book down. So interesting, such vivid characters, so rich with history. It's fascinating, heartbreaking - a page-turner from beginning to end! Highly reccommend!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was great! It uses actual historic facts in the story line, and things that women really went through within that time period.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Lisa See has really opened my eyes to the ancient Chinese Culture. I recently read her "Shanghai Sisters" and now I can't wait to read "Peony in Love". These are not easy books to ready, but well worth the tears! Keep a tissue handy and ready when you are alone.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I would give this book 4and one half stars. I loved learning about chinese foot binding and all the other customs.
Kelly N. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Not only is it wonderfully written but it really opened my eyes to what it was like to grow up a girl in China when feet-binding was still widely practiced. It was very easy to connect with the characters in this book and I will certainly be looking for more work by this author.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed the look into the life of chinese women and all that they had to do. Thank good foot binding is now illegal!
Kristie O. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
As a female I really went heart to heart with this book. The things women went thru in ancient china was unimaginable. Yet amoung all the heartaches, these incredible women had a brilliant language to link themselves together to a deep rooted lifelong friendship. Like most of us today, amoung this friendship is misunderstandings and strong emotions and of course remorse. This is a book I will never forget and will always think about. I can not wait to read more from Lisa See!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed both the historical and the fictional aspects of this book, and therefore donated every moment of free time I've had for the past week to reading about Lily and Snow Flower's lives and friendship. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of novels that take place over a character's whole life, but Lisa See managed to pull it off in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I'd recommend the book to anyone interested in Chinese culture or who simply enjoys stories centered around women and friendship.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book taught me much about early China customs. It was a painful book to read in
many ways (the foot binding descriptions) but it did happen and helped me understand
Chinese ways and customs and thinking better. It wasn't a happy read, but a good one.
Shanan O. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved exploring the world of this book and wondering about the lives of other women in other times. The details of this book will stick with you for a long time.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
My book club is reading this book for our next monthly meeting, so I will be interested to see what everyone thinks. I enjoyed the booking...giving a true sense of the era and life in this part of the world. The story woven into the setting was very intense at times and sometimes a bit wordy...but all in all, I would highly recommend the book.
Cora R. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoy reading stories that illuminate a different culture or time. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was the best novel I have read for this in a long time. I really enjoyed reading this novel, in fact I finished it in one day. I felt the characters were real, they had flaws and made mistakes. They learned from their mistakes, but often not as soon as they should. I liked seeing how Lily's character and perspective on events changed at the different parts of her life. I learned a lot about Chinese culture and the period of history that the book was set, especially since the problems and misunderstandings that occurred in the book are timeless and relatable to people today. It was a beautifully told story and I am glad that I read it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed the story along with the history knowledge obtianed from the story.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful story. Captured me right away and continued to 'hold' me until the end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The informational details about the process and results of foot binding were interesting. As for the actual plot, it was slightly better than okay.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great read! I learned so much and had a hard time putting the book down. I recommend it most highly.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very interesting from a cultural perspective and the story kept me riveted throughout the entire book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great book! I want to read more from this author!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The book was recommended to me by a friend and I was initially reluctant to read it; especially, when she said that there were detailed account about the foot binding process. I am so glad I gave the book a chance - I could not put it down. It is a wonderful story of friendship, betrayal, love and loss.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really liked this book overall, I just thought it was really slow. I don't know why. usually when I read, I want to pick it up and read it and read it and I just didn't get that with this book. It was a bit of a struggle to get through, but I thought it was a really good story, just took me a long time to read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a great book about the relationship/friendship between women. Great book for a book club too!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Truly a special book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the most touching books, of female friendship and love.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fascinating look into Chinese custom of foot binding. Great characters and a moving story. I loved it!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really loved this book. So interesting to learn about Chinese culture during that time, and especially roles of women. It would be a great book club book - i think a lot of discussion would come from it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book very much. I finished it in two or three sittings. It is beautifully unfolded by the author and it brought me to tears a couple of times, which i have only done two or three times ever. Love, friendship, determination, and history all rolled up into a rich story. Five stars out of a possible five!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really loved this book, if for no other reason than the remarkable glimpse into the lives of 19th century Chinese women. They were literally bound, but still managed to create lives of meaning.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great Book! I couldn't put it down!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
To make this short and sweet---Beautiful Beautiful story. Lots of culture. Loved it.
Amy S. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautiful, haunting story that remains with the reader long after the book is closed. The insights into the lives of women in China during the period are as vivid as they are disturbing.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was an incredible book. If you have ever wondered about the binding of feet in Japan - this book will expose that tradition.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A heart-rending, but engrossing book. I could hardly put it down...although the details on the role of women in that particular time and society were pretty hard to read. I kept waiting and hoping that Lily (the narrator) would find some way to truly connect with Snow Flower. Some small defiance that would have made her more of heroine...but I guess that wasn't the story being told...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Truly enjoyed this book. The description of how the young child's feet are wrapped turned my stomach just a bit, but very accurate! Quick read - one of those books you can't put down until you're finished!
ROSE O. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Immediately after finishing this wonderful book, I began to reread it!
I wanted to revisit all of the beauty and pain of the superbly created characters.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very good - I would definitely recommend this book. Very hard to put down at times.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a great story capturing the essence of life in ancient China. The customs amongst women, especially the details in footbinding tradition, the women's secret writing, arranged marriages, the interaction of women in a household, etc. The author creates a very vivid tale that keeps you engaged till the end. I was very impressed with this author. Although she is not as well-known as Amy Tan, Lisa See develops characters and carries out a story in an easy to follow and enjoyable manner. As compared to The Bonesetter's Daughter, I prefer Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book. The history of foot binding is so interesting (and heartbreaking) and the story is beautiful.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my favorite books! I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This story is such a downer in every way. Didn't make it past p. 20.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I understand foot binding much better now and enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to read about two young Yao girls grow up in 18th century China. They are best friends but have very different life experiences. I learned a lot about my relationships when I read this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great book. I enjoyed learning of the old chinese ways. Recommend to all who love women stories.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Snow Flower & The Secret Fan is a journey into history without being a dull history book. This book is touching on many levels as we follow the story of two little girls in ancient China and their efforts to find themselves in a society where they are considered to have little value. Easy and intriguing reading...
Bonnie F. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book open my eyes to another world. I was transformed into a totally new enviornment and culture. I loved this book. I loved the writing and the detail. The struggles women went through in traditional Chinese customs and traditions. This is the story of two young girls, and their lives through friendship, love, death, loss, poverty, and wealth. A great book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book! It is so full of emotion and I learned so much from the vivid descriptions of another life. The foot binding was difficult to read. I will definitely read this again.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book has a great story line and also includes fascinating historical information about a secret written language "illiterate" Chinese women used to communicate among themselves. It gave them a voice in a very patriarchal society. The practice of foot-binding and its many implications is also described very effectively in this book. But the best part is the depiction of characters the reader will come to love. Lisa See is a talented writer and this book brings the reader quickly into a culture that no longer exists.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Read this book in my book club and it was one of the best discussions after that we ever had about a book. So much to talk about, to learn from, ponder on. Made me appreciate being born and raised in America with rights and in a society that values women.
Colleen J. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book greatly; I thought it was sweet and poignant and loved the unique context for what I thought was otherwise a fairly common theme--the attainment of wisdom through age and experience, and the consequential regret of the actions of one's younger self.
Amber J. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was well-written, but the story didn't interest me much. I like historical fiction but this seemed to center on the unfairness of how women were treated and foot binding. The characters were not very deep. It was an interesting read but not one of my favorites. I liked Memoirs of a Geisha better.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Beautifully written tale of two women and their lives in China. Soo interesting and SO SAD. The injustices toward women are absolutely mind-numbing. Engrossing read!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book, I've read many books about Asian people and this was one of the best.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book but really didn't like it. To me it just dragged on and on. I really enjoyed it at first when the main character Lily was a child and I found the foot binding to be interesting but the middle of the book just dragged on and I had to display a lot of self control to get through it. I've read other novels about chinese traditions that are far more interesting than this, to me this just dwelt too much on the womens point of view and was not balanced. It left me with a lot of questions and not enough answers.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A really engaging story of women's lives in rural China in the 19th century. Very well written, with great detail on the customs of the time. I really enjoyed this book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A fun read with great insight into the history of Chinese women's life styles of days of yore. I truly couldn't wait to get back to reading it and stayed up late a few nights to finish it!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Good book about life in China in the mid 1800s as a woman. Description of footbinding process was great.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Highly recommend. Very interesting historical fiction.
Kim N. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a beautifully written story! Highly recommend!
June P. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
not for the squeamish
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this one. The glimpse of culture, how personal it was. I just loved it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
LOVED it, great book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
FABULOUS. I just loved this book. As good as Memiors of a geisha.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared 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 deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Beautiful story - hard to put down
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Enjoyed this book. I learned alot about chinese culture.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The descriptions of customs and traditions are wonderful.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautiful book about friendship between 2 women.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A FASCINATING STORY OF EIGHTEENTH CHINA AND A SECRET CODE AMONG WOMEN AND FOOT BINDING.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book as a book group selection. I am trying to think what other book it reminds me of... maybe one by Amy Tan. It was very painful reading the sections relating to footbinding, but no where NEAR how painful it must haven been to endure.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great Book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily is paired with another girl named Snow Flower who introduces herself by sending a silk fan on which she has written a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. This is the story of their lifelong friendship with its ups and downs.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
LOVED this book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great book about two Chinese women and their friendship in nineteenth century China.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I expected it to be better. I was not intrigued with it at all during the first 2/3 of the book but found it more interesting towards the end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent read. Fascinating culture.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very interesting book. Sure give you an insight into the old oriental culture. I enjoyed it. Not a fast read...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Historical novel of nineteenth century chinese girls, following 2 girls paths from childhood to old age. Very good.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved the story of this young girl and her coming of age. The tradition and story made this a book I could not put down.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my absolute favourite books ever. Beautifully written....
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was absolutely wonderful. I just couldnt put it down. I was so amazed and drawn to what this poor girl indured emotionally throughout her life. Definately a great book to read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautiful story of a young girl's life in a remote county of China in the 19th century....from age six to maturity .....a moving portrait of female friendship and hardships in a deeply traditional Chinese society...an unforgettable read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the best books I ever read. About two chinese foot-bound women and their friendship. Very moving.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A very engaging novel about an 18th century girl in China with descriptions of foot binding and the life of females of that time.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This national bestseller is about Snow Flower, a 19th century Chinese lady who sends message on a fan to Lily. Both endure the agony of footbinding and share their feelings about their arranged marriages and their lives.They develop a deep bond that keeps their spirits up, but a misunderstanding threatens their friendship.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A well written, engaging and informative story of life as a woman in China, 1823 - 1903. A facinating read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a very enjoyable book about the lives of two women in 19th century China from childhood to the last days of their lives. The reader learns so much from these women about the culture of their time while giving a very personal description of their thoughts and lives.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a most beautiful story of friendship, heartbreaking at times but powerfully written. So well written that I could visualize certain scenes. It will remain one of my all time favorite books EVER.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Amazing read! A glimpse into the lives of women in a remote part of China during the 19th century. The footbinding practice is unbelievable!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book! Vivid prose absorbing you into a heartbreaking portrait of triumph of the spirit, friendship & love.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book, couldn't put it down!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a wonderful historical fiction novel. I highly receommend it!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very enjoyable book with a lot of information on little known chinese customs. Great story of friendship.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A lovely lovely powerful story of china in another time. Evokes poetry and some hard truths all at once.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An extraordinary story. A book about forever friends, betrayal and experiences in old China that I can hardly wrap my mind around. Loved it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
In 19th century China, a girl named Lily is paired with a "laotong", or "old same" in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan written in "nu shu", a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. The fan holds stories of their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. They also share the agony of footbinding and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared lonliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The fan keeps their bond and spirts alive until misunderstanding arises and threatens their deep friendship.
A spellbinding look into this Chinese culture and the lives of two very unique women.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very enjoyable read. Insightful, thought-provoking.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This wonderful book not only tells a tale of women's lives in China, it gives the reader amazing insight into the customs and culture of 19th century Chinese life. One of the best books I have read lately.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A wonderful story of woman's friendship through the years, set in a remote province of China, vivid in its story against the traditions and culture of 19th century Chna.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An outstanding book that takes us through the lives of two women in China who are best friends. It's story of tradition, friendship, and love will stay with you long after you put down the book.
Christie G. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a powerful and beautiful book! The writting is so beautiful and the characters are unforgetable! A story of friendship and love in such a way that you have never read about before!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent read. The author has done wonderful research to create a wonderful background for this beautiful and heart-wrenching story of friendship.
Kristin D. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a beautifully written novel with so much to teach about Chinese culture as well as human relationships.
Tish O. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
this is a wonderful book. if you like stories about strong female friendships set in ancient China than this book is for you. the author spent much time researching the private female language nu shu and it shows.
i am a great fan of Gail Tsukiyama and this book is right up there with her best!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A good read about a friendship and misunderstanding in old China. Lots of good historical detail about womens lives, foot binding and it's cultural importance.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great historical novel that I found facinating. A tale of friendship over decades. From the days of feet binding, to weddings, babies and tragedy, it was very moving.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A lyrical and haunting novel.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful and moving.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent book! If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha, you will LOVE this book. It is the story of a strong friendship that endures many trial and errors. It takes you into a different culture. This is a must read.
I only thought the process of how foot binding was done interesting....the rest of the book is just okay
Donna G. (<< Back to Book Details of " Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"