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Book Review of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
reviewed on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


In 19th century China, a girl named Lily 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 written in "nu shu", a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. The fan holds stories of their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. They also share the agony of footbinding and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared lonliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The fan keeps their bond and spirts alive until misunderstanding arises and threatens their deep friendship.

A spellbinding look into this Chinese culture and the lives of two very unique women.