Snow flower and the Secret Fan is a beautifully written story that depicts the life, times and culture of two extraordinary women in an ancient and feuding China.
From a very young age, Lily and Snow Flower's lives entwine when the local matchmaker, Madame Wang, sees something special in Lily and decides she should have a laotong , a lifelong female confidante. After Madame Wang examines Lilly thoroughly, she becomes very excited for Lily, her family and of course, herself. Lily has perfectly shaped feet, a prize of great magnitude for a Chinese family and she shares this news with the family. "The girl is indeed very lovely, but golden lilies are far more important than a pretty face. A lovely face is a gift from Heaven, but tiny feet can improve social standing. On this we can all agree. What happens beyond that is really for Father to decide." She looked directly at Baba, but the words that traveled into the air were meant for my mother. "It is not such a bad thing to make a good alliance for a daughter. A high family will bring you better connections, a better bride-price, and long-term political and economic protection. Though I appreciate the hospitality and generosity that you have shown today," she said, emphasising the meagreness of our home with a languid movement with her hand, "fate--in the form of your daughter--has brought you an opportunity. If Mother does her job properly, this insignificant girl could marry into a family in Tongkou."
And so the cruel practice of foot binding is revealed to the reader and the fate of two women are set in motion. Boy children have a much higher standing within Chinese families and their worth is highly regarded and so, for a girl to be elevated to high stature within a family because of her feet is quite remarkable. Lily's family is very humble and this news means much to them. Madame Wang matches Lily to Snow Flower as her laotong. Snow Flower's family is of high standing from the village of Tongkou.
The the women's friendship and journey is beautifully told through the eyes of Lily. There is an edge to the tale depicting the harshness of the times and how families cope. Lisa See reveals to the reader the art of secret language between men and the adaptation of this language into the secret writings between the women.
This novel is insightful to the ways of Asian culture. It unveils some of the mysteries of hardworking people's lives and customs in remote villages scattered throughout China during feudal times. The author successfully marries fiction with historical facts to create an enlightening story magnifying the intricate relationship between two lifelong friends.
This novel is highly recommended if you enjoy reading about other cultures. If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha, Fallen Leaves or Wild Swans, then you'll love Lisa See's work, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
And so the cruel practice of foot binding is revealed to the reader and the fate of two women are set in motion. Boy children have a much higher standing within Chinese families and their worth is highly regarded and so, for a girl to be elevated to high stature within a family because of her feet is quite remarkable. Lily's family is very humble and this news means much to them. Madame Wang matches Lily to Snow Flower as her laotong. Snow Flower's family is of high standing from the village of Tongkou.
The the women's friendship and journey is beautifully told through the eyes of Lily. There is an edge to the tale depicting the harshness of the times and how families cope. Lisa See reveals to the reader the art of secret language between men and the adaptation of this language into the secret writings between the women.
This novel is insightful to the ways of Asian culture. It unveils some of the mysteries of hardworking people's lives and customs in remote villages scattered throughout China during feudal times. The author successfully marries fiction with historical facts to create an enlightening story magnifying the intricate relationship between two lifelong friends.
This novel is highly recommended if you enjoy reading about other cultures. If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha, Fallen Leaves or Wild Swans, then you'll love Lisa See's work, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
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