Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – Lisa See
Lily is the daughter of a humble farmer, and to her family she is just another expensive mouth to feed. Then the local matchmaker delivers startling news: if Lily’s feet are bound properly, they will be flawless. In nineteenth-century China, where a woman’s eligibility is judged by the shape and size of her feet, this is extraordinary good luck. Lily now has the power to make a good marriage and change the fortunes of her family. To prepare for her new life, she must undergo the agonies of footbinding, learn nu shu, the famed secret women’s writing, and make a very special friend, Snow Flower. But a bitter reversal of fortune is about to change everything.
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Sharon Curran –
REVIEW FROM BOOK CLUB MEETING: This was as interesting book which produced strong feelings of ‘loved it’ and ‘hated it’ in equal measure. Several members found it a difficult read, although most persevered and finished the book. Those that did, felt it was a powerful story that truthfully reflected customs of the time; foot binding, family structure and how society viewed and treated women during this period, and how this would then influence a person’s destiny. Its very graphic descriptions of some practices during this period in history were quite difficult to read but were based on fact as several members discovered when they researched it. Although dark in places the story focused on the development of friendship between the 2 main characters and the significance of the fan as a means of communication and expression of feelings. It gave great insight into the importance of these female relationships, the support and strength gained
from them and ultimately how easily this can turn into misunderstanding and betrayal. Definitely a thought provoking read.