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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780812980356
ISBN: 0812980352
Label: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 288
Publication Date: May 26, 2009
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Release Date: May 26, 2009
Studio: Random House Trade Paperbacks
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Editorial Review:
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, an “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 written 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 the fan and compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together they endure the agony of footbinding and reflect upon their arranged marriages, their loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace in their friendship, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their relationship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a captivating journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. Now in a deluxe paperback edition complete with an expanded Random House Reader’s Circle guide and an exclusive conversation between Lisa See and her mother, fellow writer Carolyn See, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel is, as the Seattle Times says, “a beautifully drawn portrait of female friendship and power.”
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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