Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
See, LisaIn 1903 80 year old Lily looks back on her life anchored by her childhood laotong, or arranged lifelong friendship with her friend Snow Flower. Throughout their lives they communicate in nu shu, a secret language used exclusively by the women of Hunan Province - they write of their mutual devotion on a fan they pass between each other while confined to the upstairs women's chamber in their homes. Although the laotong bonds endure it is a misunderstood message in nu shu that ultimately tears them apart. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Very readable, well researched and intriguing personalities. Auckland 208 Some members really enjoyed this book, others found it a bit light but it was a great discussion book. Christchurch 299We all enjoyed this book despite its sadness.Particularly enjoyed the insight into the lives of Chinese women in the 19th century - foot binding, old games etc. Waiheke 001 An informative, cultural read. It was an engrossing book. Papamoa 001 We were horrified to learn the methods used for footbinding! Interesting discussion about ideas of 'beauty' and the fact that men still define many ideals of beauty in women. Matamata 001
Pages
340
340
Year
2007
2007
Reviews
07-07-2022
This is a powerful picture of the lives of Chinese women in the mid-nineteenth century. The details of foot-binding show its grotesque cruelty and illogicality. The later period as the villagers hide in the mountains to avoid attack is also described graphically. Arranged marriages are central to the novel. The plot concerning the breakdown of the relationship between Lily and Snow Flower is perhaps a little weak, but the strength of the novel is in its depiction of women's lives and relationships in this region of China.
20-03-2020
Beautiful depth of female characters. This book led to discussions about women and the strength that silently sits within us.
20-03-2020
This book was really enjoyed by our group. We all found the foot binding very traumatic reading, and the culture of being dependent on men very different. We did find similarities throughout though.
20-03-2020
Good discussion on Chinese customs and culture, which led on to Coronavirus, live animal markets, and endangered pangolins. Not a "happy" book to read but we all found it interesting and thought-provoking, and learnt much from reading it.
20-03-2020
Very good for discussion of tradition and culture. Most enjoyed reading this book.
28-02-2018
Not as enjoyable as Pearl Buck's novel about China, and the description of foot binding was pretty gruesome, but we had a good discussion about restrictions society puts on women today ( fortunately not as vicious!).
28-02-2018
Our group really liked the book. We had an interesting discussion about the situation of women then and now. Many would like to know more about the transition from 'bound foot' China to today's regime.
28-02-2018
Enjoyable book that kick-started a lively discussion about the role of women in China. Also well written and emotionally nuanced.
28-02-2018
A truly lovely story, beautifully told with wonderful characters. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Recommended to many fellow booklovers already!
28-02-2018
We found this book fascinating as it painted such a vivid image of life in Chinese rural areas for women during the Boxer Rebellion. The foot-binding process was explained in great detail, and we all had to look up images on Google - looked hideous!
28-02-2018
Our group enjoyed this book, although some felt disappointed with the ending. It was a novel, but gave us so much information about Chinese life at that time, and the plight of women in particular. We researched foot binding - and went on to discuss other cultural practices. We would read other books by this author, and also seek out other books on Chinese culture.