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Binding: Audio CD
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780739319819
Edition: Abridged
Format: Abridged, Audiobook
ISBN: 0739319817
Label: Random House Audio
Manufacturer: Random House Audio
Number Of Items: 4
Publication Date: June 28, 2005
Publisher: Random House Audio
Release Date: June 28, 2005
Studio: Random House Audio
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness.
In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.
With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, 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 lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.
From the Hardcover edition.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
This was a selection of our book club, and not my usually type of book. The story was really good and I enjoyed it, but it was difficult to read. I am not sure if it was all the foreign names or the way it was written (or a combination), but I ended up borrowing an audio book of this and enjoyed it much more and finished the book that way, instead of in print.
Rating:  -
This book was one of the best I've read in a while. It was clear that the author had done her research or was familiar with the culture. The characters were real and believable. Read this for a book club and would recommend it to anyone. It was a good quick read (for me anyway) and yet it really made me think. This is the type of book that leaves you thinking long after you put the book down.
Rating: -
I won't go into details, i'm sure you've read all of the other reviews. I personally loved this book. It was both saddening and beautiful. Definetly pick this up!
Rating: -
This book has left me speechless.
Lisa See's prose is a beautiful lyrical dance that takes you through the emotional highs and despairing lows of the two characters' lives. I loved her writing and was amazed at the depth of research that she did for this book. It was intertwined with expert care into the story and I could feel the great steps she took to make sure everything was presented in the proper light.
I could feel the pain and agony Lily went through when she was forced to undergo her footbinding (which, might I state, is absolutely horrid and I'm plenty thankful they've outlawed it), and the grief she faces from family death and other tragedies. I loved the imagery and traditional metaphors the two girls used in their letters and writings to one another. I could see how their friendship grew and developed as the two characters themselves became mature women.
Prepare yourself because you'll definitely cry. My heart broke when I came to ending and the epiphany Lily had made because of her mistake. This was an excellent book that showcased not only China's traditional customs and culture, but was a beautiful example on the depth of friendships and love.
Rating: -
I read this book a few years ago. I learned a great deal about the life of women in China at the time of the book's setting. Although the women's roles were strictly defined and great distances separated them, many found a clever, secret way to maintain friendships. From the specifics of foot binding to the women's private quarters to secret fans, there are all kinds of fascinating revelations within this story.
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