Author: Lisa See
Series: None
Publisher: Random House
Released: February 21, 2006
Website: http://www.lisasee.com/
Book Summary:
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.
Fabulously written but heart-wrenching. One of those haunting books that make me shake my head and wonder what posses people to carry on traditions that are wrong on so many levels. This book was really quite depressing. It captured so many emotions and painted such vivid pictures in my mind. Some of those pictures are beautiful but others are horrific.
This was the selection for my book group this month. It's a great choice for a book club, I'm sure we'll have some very interesting discussions next week.
This beautifully written book is one that lovers of Historical Fiction should pick up. I felt transported back to a time period that I am extremely grateful I do not live in.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend to Adults
Content: This is historical fiction and has many details that are far from pleasant to read about from physical and emotional abuse to the breaking of bones during Chinese foot binding. Some language, sex, abuse and implied lesbian relationship.
Source: Library
Also by Author Lisa See
Sounds sad, sentimental... But it is a great way to "peek" into those harsh Eastern traditions... Must read this, thank you for the review :)
ReplyDeleteI read this one a few years ago - it broke my heart, but I couldn't put it down. It was absolutely fascinating!
ReplyDeleteoh how i loved this book: beautiful, horrific, emotional, could not put it down. makes you realize how fortunate you are to be born in america!
ReplyDeletearent they making this into a movie?
I read Shanghai Girls by See a few weeks ago and really, really loved it. I have all the rest of her books on my TBR list. Glad to see this one is good, too!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head when you said this book is depressing. Lots of good books have sad or horrible parts in them. But this book is depressing on every page. I didn't enjoy it at all.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to read this when I saw it, but I am afraid to read it too. I really get into my books and if this one is as poignantly sad as you say, I do not wish to have that mood stay with me even for a day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review!