Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2005)

This was a really captivating read. It moves along like conversation with an old friend. The historical element was fascinating. Sure makes modern living seem like a piece of cake. ( )

I had to read this for my senior high school year required reading. I hated having to read the book at first but I loved the amazing heartfelt story behind the memoir. I would recommend this book to anyone. ( )

Through the eyes of Lisa See we visit a little-known place and time, a time in Chinese history when women were thought to be worthless, their only value in making male heirs. The tale is told by Lily, a woman who rises as high as a country woman can go on bound and broken feet.

Lily's voice is unsentimental, yet the drama she and Snow Flower undergo is terrible to bear, making it nearly impossible for their love to endure. I don't like to cry when I read books, but See got me in the end. This is not a roller-coaster ride but a slow burn, the kind of book you find your mind wants to live in.

Petrea Burchard
Camelot & Vine ( )

What a beautiful, heartbreaking novel. The friendship between Lily and Snow Flower was the heart of the book, and the author made me feel such empathy for both women. I was fascinated to learn the details of the Chinese customs of foot binding and nu shu, which became so important in the girls' lives. I did not find this to be an easy book to read - it seemed that every page brought more suffering, either physical or emotional - but I was so compelled by Lily's story that I never considered quitting. This was a challenging read, but one I don't think I will soon forget. ( )

Foot binding, marriage and motherhood in China.

I originally read this six years ago and gave it the full five stars, so I was thrilled to have an abridged audio-book to listen to whilst driving. Even though this version was abridged, I enjoyed it just as much.
Certain parts of the novel have remained with me from the first reading, particularly the detail of the foot binding, which was horrific. Other parts I was happy to be reminded of.
I really must read more from Lisa See.

The story is narrated by Lily as she looks back over her life. It emphasises the importance of women to each other, in a society where they are considered the lowest of the low. From the foot binding to the necessity of bearing sons, every aspect of their lives is designed to please men.
Lily and Snow Flower were matched as 'laotong' at just seven years old, a relationship that is destined to last a life time. They live a fair distance apart and communicate through writing in 'nu-shu' (women's writing), on a fan and other embroideries and missives. As they become teenagers, they stay at Lily's house and the bond made as children is strengthened. Eventually they both marry, arranged marriages, as was the custom, and Lily finds her new family does not approve of Snow Flower. They have to meet in secret and the stresses start to crack the relationship.

Lily's reminiscences help her to atone for the mistakes she made and the misunderstandings that developed.

The book paints an excellent picture of life in China in the nineteenth century, the lives of women and the customs of the time. A really excellent read. ( )