Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2005)

This was very good. A bit short for the scope of the story, and for my tastes. But still very good, allowed for a great connection to Lily as a human character. Not to mention the cultural tidbits were really awesome. And foot-binding almost made me throw up. Which is, I suppose, a good sign. ( )

Highly recommended! A heartbreaking book in many ways, but such a provocative inside view of Chinese culture and women's roles within it. And for once (slight spoiler alert!) the main conflict between two women wasn't over a romantic relationship with a man! :) ( )

The book is incredibly engaging. Even as I struggled to keep my own Western perceptions in check – not being able to contain my shock and frustration at the way Chinese mothers degraded their daughters and Chinese daughters considered themselves unworthy of any kind of goodness in their lives – I also could not put the book down for a full 12 hours one night. The story of Lily and Snow Flower is one of beauty and even courage, at times, and it is remarkably vivid in its presentation of Chinese culture in the late 19th century. Every phrase paints a clear picture, and every scene provokes some kind of emotion. Yet, in everything there is the thread of friendship that perhaps only women usually come to know… that which transcends family and which thinks nothing of intense affection. I have felt such love in my own life only a couple of times, and it is truly deeper than familial love because it is one of choice. Ultimately, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is the chronicle of two friends who chose to devote themselves to each other for life, no matter the cost. Author Lisa See made me desire that type of love once again simply by telling this story. ( )

I thought I would never finish this book. It was definitely all about character development, and it would probably be a good book for group discussions, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood for it. Off to the thrift shop it goes. ( )

TOP 10 LIST (OF FAVORITE BOOKS) - (personal list)

Will attempt to import review;
A wonderful story of old China, complete with so many period details that I easily got lost in See's beautiful tale of two women bound at childhood by a tradition of lifetime friendship. I felt I was an invisible spectator, drawn back in time by See's carefully crafted words. Through them, I learned what it was like to be a Chinese woman of a certain social status, and how one's status was crucial to every aspect of life. The Lao Tong friendship was one of the few ways social, equalling life, possibilities might be increased. One friendship, literally written in the stars, could have ramifications for one's family (extended family included, per Chinese cultural tradition) for generations to come. Every action, no matter how small, had to be carefully considered, given this truth and family obligation. (As if relationships aren't difficult enough by nature!)

The life lessons learned during the struggles the two unlikely friends encountered are applicable to people of all cultures. While learning about Chinese history and culture, I ... ( )