Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

by Lambert M. Surhone (editor)

Printed WIKIPEDIA articles: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a 2005 novel by Lisa See set in nineteenth century China. In her introduction to the novel, See writes that Lily, the narrator, was born in 1823 -- "the third year of Emperor Daoguangs reign."The novel begins in 1903, when Lily is 80 years old. During her lifetime, Lily lives through the reigns of four emperors: Emperor Daoguang (1820-1850); Emperor Xianfeng (1850-1861); Emperor Tongzhi (1861-1875); and Emperor Guangxu (1875-1908).

Genres: Book Club

70 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2010

Reviews

[Pamela]

Brutal, but such interesting insight into Chinese culture, especially the female relationships. Will be haunted by it for a long time.

[Juanita]

I finally finished the book in February. An interesting insight into Chinese women of the past and their rituals.
Mind you it was very hard reading how the mothers made their daughters' feet small, and the fact that death was not uncommon during this process.
It's hard for a western mind to understand how a mother could torture her daughters so, and particularly at such a young age, although obviously for Chinese women back then this was simply standard practice if they wanted their daughters to be considered decent marriageable women.
Extremely well-written and compelling.

[Geri P]

Loved this story. Beautiful insight into the special bonds that exist in friendships between and among women, set against a stark backdrop of society's crushing brutality.

Lisa See, very special.

[Nelle Brown]

Such an interesting book about China. The 80 year old tells her story and you learn a lot about how girls grow up and the difference in class levels.

[Amy Cole]

I read this book years ago and it is still one of my favs! I could not put it down from the first chapter and I didn’t see the ending coming (which is always a favorite for me).

[Stevi Quate]

Fascinating novel that takes the reader into the world of women in China, 19th century. The reader lives through foot binding, experiences the deep friendship (and betrayal) of women, and learns about their secret language and contracted friendship.

[Ruth]

A wonderful book of women's friendships and old Chinese customs.

[Marian Peregoy]

Very interesting. It was interesting to learn about the Chinese culture.

[Sondra Boudreau]

could not get into it.

[Lori]

powerful message in this book, very good, interesting.

[LDuchess]

FC book club....Library copy

[Linda Hazelgren]

Wonderful descriptions, rich relationships. Loved it.

[Marguerite]

One of my all-time favorite reads! Can't wait for the movie, although how it could possibly bring out the poetic writing of the book is beyond me.

[Barbara B.]

Excellent book about ancient China and the women's role in their society. It may sound boring, but it was awesome!

[Ayacalypso]

I had to research foot binding after reading this. Some scenes were just excruciating to read, especially as the mother of a little girl.

[Elizabeth]

Read and really enjoyed this. The scenes described by See are with me still -- the feet being bound, the morphine addict.

[Judy]

I had read it many years ago.

[CLW]

Enjoyable book allowing me to learn a lot about a woman’s life in China during the time.

[Ann]

enjoyed

[Julie Garrett]

Very interesting account of women's lives in China in the1800s.

[Karen]

I read this a few years and thoroughly enjoyed it! An amazing story of friendship!

[Sunhawk]

This IS NOT THE BOOK! This is a Wikipedia collection of articles (or something) ... do not be misled.