Overview
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, or "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 has 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 fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. They both endure the agony of footbinding and together 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.
About Snowflower and the Secret Fan
A novel very sweet and really heart-wrenching. Begins as two smalls girls and develops to a story that leaves you ming-boggled afterwards. Had some sexual content and a few moments of violence which added to the realistic feel of it. A bittersweet tale. If you're into novels other time periods with a touch of life. You'll be into it. It will make you feel sad and happy both at the same time.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Star Review
Buy
Paperback: 269 pgs.
Published: February 21st 2006 by Random House(first published 2000
For This Review:*Self-provided Copy*
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, or "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 has 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 fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. They both endure the agony of footbinding and together 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.About Snowflower and the Secret Fan
A novel very sweet and really heart-wrenching. Begins as two smalls girls and develops to a story that leaves you ming-boggled afterwards. Had some sexual content and a few moments of violence which added to the realistic feel of it. A bittersweet tale. If you're into novels other time periods with a touch of life. You'll be into it. It will make you feel sad and happy both at the same time.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Star Review
Buy
Paperback: 269 pgs.
Published: February 21st 2006 by Random House
For This Review:*Self-provided Copy*
