Sunday, January 18, 2009

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Good Morning Sunday Saloners. After a week of below zero temps (our coldest was -32 degrees on Friday morning), today it's snowing.


This is an amazing book. I learned so much about Chinese culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel revolves around two young girls, Lily and Snow Flower, who are "old sames" meaning that they share eight characteristics like birth month, day of birth, etc. Since they live in different towns and are unable to go anywhere on their own because their feet are bound, they communicate by writing messages on a fan in the secret women's language known as nu shu.

The book follows their lives and their friendship through foot binding to death and it was mesmerizing!

Enjoy your reading, everyone!

6 comments:

Cheryl said...

Wow this sounds like a good book. I will have to check it out

Darlene said...

I think I told you this one is on my shelf along with her other book too. I'd really love to delve into it soon. I'm reading a book now that is based on China and it's fascinating reading about their culture. I have to say though that I can't imagine having my feet bound. That had to be painful beyond imagination. I'm glad you enjoyed this one Linda.

Literary Feline said...

This is one of my favorite books. I especially like the cultural history aspects. I am glad you enjoyed it, Linda!

Nely said...

I read this early last year and I loved it too! It was such a fascinating read.

Anonymous said...

I've heard so many things about this author. I haven't read one of her books, but I did read a book by her mother. That's as close as I've gotten though.

C. Elizabeth said...

This does sound like a nice read. I am slowly reading Lisa See's, Peony in Love. I also have learned a lot about Chinese culture (especially womanhood) during the 17th century when there was a change in dynasty.