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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel | 
| Author: Lisa See
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Category: Book
List Price: $14.00
Buy Used: $2.00
You Save: $12.00 (86%)
New (75) Used (250) Collectible (9) from $2.00
Rating:  598 reviews
Sales Rank: 319
Media: Paperback
Pages: 288
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.7
ISBN: 0812968069
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780812968064
ASIN: 0812968069
Publication Date: February 21, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: shelf B3
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Product Description
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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 593 more reviews...
 One of the best September 30, 2008
M
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Rich in detail and exquisitely crafted, this is an excellent book which I highly recommend, though some parts are rather graphic (footbinding) and are not for the weak of heart.
 Memorable! September 26, 2008
Amandanevin
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I loved this book, it is set in China of a hundred years ago or so and gives a vivid and compelling portrayal of a woman of a certain class growing uo in China during that time. I wont re hash the plot in this review others have done that very well. The poignancy of this story stayed with me for a long time .
The description of the foot binding process was so detailed and graphic that my feet actually ached for days, that chapter is not for the squeamish.
Capitavating historical fiction September 17, 2008
Barry Kottler (Massachusetts)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is the story of two young women, Lily and Snow Flower, set in 19th century China. The two are bound together as "Lo Tung" (old sames) as young girls. This connection is their greatest triumph and later their cause for greatest shame.
Lisa See weaves a tale that engages the reader and brings a better understanding of what life was like for women in the 1800s in China, when a good life was considered spending of your days in a single room and nights producing many male offspring.
The descriptions of foot binding were compelling and disturbing. In the audio commentary she discusses meeting women who went through this procedure and how they viewed it. Also she enlightens the reader with discussion of the writing style of "nu shu". Nu Shu was used exclusively by women as a form of ornamentation, song, and written communication.
Overall this was a very moving and enjoyable piece of fiction. I look forward to reading/listening to more from Lisa See. My major disappointment was that the audio book was abridged. The book was concise enough that abridgment seems unnecessary and takes away from the flow of the book.
Excellent and Interesting September 16, 2008
Anne E. Herrmann (Terre Haute, Indiana)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I just finished this book and it filled a curiosity I always had about foot binding. I studied this ancient chinese practice many years ago in college but this book filled in alot of missing questions I had. I found myself wanting to return to my book every chance I could find. Good Read!
A Cultural Gem! September 16, 2008
Denise Wyatt (VA)
This book was gripping. I knew next to nothing about this period in Chinese culture, and the whole idea of foot binding made my stomach churn. Ms. See did meticulous research, and her characters were well developed. A great read!
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