Bookfanatic reviewed on
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. It was both magical and heartbreaking. It's a book I won't forget easily. Set in 17th century China, the story revolves around Peony, the only daughter of very wealthy parents who love her very much. She has never been outside of her family's large estate. Months before her wedding, the sixteen year old Peony has an encounter with a very handsome cultured poet who shares many of her literary interests. He too is engaged as she is to someone chosen for him by his family. What happens next is very memorable, sad, and magical. I felt angry when the first part of the book ended. But the second half is where the story really takes off. The change in Peony, her growth as a person, a woman, and a daughter/grandaughter is remarkable. She is no longer the spoiled egocentric daughter, but someone far more wordly and altruistic.
There are some paragraphs providing detailed information about footbinding that might be too might for some, but you can always skip those sections. I highly recommend this book. Lisa See has written another amazing story.
There are some paragraphs providing detailed information about footbinding that might be too might for some, but you can always skip those sections. I highly recommend this book. Lisa See has written another amazing story.
