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Pies de loto
China, siglo XIX. Pequeña Flor procede de una familia muy humilde pero su madre empezó a vendarle los pies siendo muy pequeña, sabedora de que ese era el mejor legado que podía ofrecerle. Cuando es vendida a la familia Fong como criada personal de la pequeña Linjing, Pequeña Flor sabe que sus lirios dorados, sus diminutos pies de loto, son su única esperanza de alcanzar algún día la libertad.
El destino de las dos niñas estará irremediablemente unido. Linjing, presa de los celos y de la envidia, se asegurará de que Pequeña Flor nunca pueda regresar con los suyos. Hasta que el escándalo golpea a la familia Fong y las vidas de las dos niñas se ven inesperadamente sumidas en el caos.
El destino de las dos niñas estará irremediablemente unido. Linjing, presa de los celos y de la envidia, se asegurará de que Pequeña Flor nunca pueda regresar con los suyos. Hasta que el escándalo golpea a la familia Fong y las vidas de las dos niñas se ven inesperadamente sumidas en el caos.
300 pages, ebook
First published January 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,642 reviews
December 3, 2024
'You are low-born, I'm a lady. These facts are as solid as the ground we stand on'.
Little Flower may have been sold as a muizai into the Fong household but she knows her worth. Not only did her mother tell her, before leaving her, she took care to bind Little Flower's feet from the age of four to ensure she ended up with perfect golden lilies, like a lady. Linjing knows her worth, not only is she her father's favourite, she lives in comfort, surrounded by servants, including one of her very own - Little Flower. However, when her father decides to leave her feet unbound, in a bid for modernity, her bubble is burst. How can she be a lady, and have large feet? How can she be a master to Little Flower and her golden lilies? A story of jealousy, integrity, graciousness, love and resilience unfolds as both girls grow up together, stuck together, and navigate their rapidly changing world.
'The Lotus Shoes' takes us to late 19th Century China, when tradition bumps with Western influence and the cosmopolitan melting pots of Shanghai and Hong Kong burgeon. Told in the alternate POVs of Little Flower and Linjing, you can feel their frustration with their lot; imprisoned by the ideals of the society, class, and gender of that time. The story fully immerses you within the time and place and I just loved learning more about the cultural history of China as well as following the girls' journey towards their true selves.
This is a wonderful debut novel. If you loved Lisa See's, Lady Tan's Circle of Women, you're sure to eat this right up too.
'It takes immense courage to do what is right to save one you, even if it pains others'.
Little Flower may have been sold as a muizai into the Fong household but she knows her worth. Not only did her mother tell her, before leaving her, she took care to bind Little Flower's feet from the age of four to ensure she ended up with perfect golden lilies, like a lady. Linjing knows her worth, not only is she her father's favourite, she lives in comfort, surrounded by servants, including one of her very own - Little Flower. However, when her father decides to leave her feet unbound, in a bid for modernity, her bubble is burst. How can she be a lady, and have large feet? How can she be a master to Little Flower and her golden lilies? A story of jealousy, integrity, graciousness, love and resilience unfolds as both girls grow up together, stuck together, and navigate their rapidly changing world.
'The Lotus Shoes' takes us to late 19th Century China, when tradition bumps with Western influence and the cosmopolitan melting pots of Shanghai and Hong Kong burgeon. Told in the alternate POVs of Little Flower and Linjing, you can feel their frustration with their lot; imprisoned by the ideals of the society, class, and gender of that time. The story fully immerses you within the time and place and I just loved learning more about the cultural history of China as well as following the girls' journey towards their true selves.
This is a wonderful debut novel. If you loved Lisa See's, Lady Tan's Circle of Women, you're sure to eat this right up too.
'It takes immense courage to do what is right to save one you, even if it pains others'.
November 20, 2025
Honestly, I am conflicted about this book; it leaves me with mixed feelings. I didn't enjoy it overall, but I did finish reading it because I found the plot intriguing enough to see it through to the end. As for the characters, I found none of them particularly likable—yet, strangely, I sometimes found myself beginning to take pride in them despite everything.
The storyline is compelling and kept my attention, especially as I was eager to discover the fate of the protagonists. However, the characters themselves were extremely unappealing, which was disappointing.
First, there's Little Flower, who starts off as very naive. Her character undergoes some development, especially towards the end, when she finally becomes aware that she must stand up for herself and stop allowing others to control her destiny. Honestly, her point of view until the third part was quite dull because her life was a continuous cycle of abuse—every positive experience was immediately overshadowed by further suffering. It became difficult to feel sympathy for her since she reacted so indifferently to most of what happened. The author attempts to depict her as someone who refuses revenge, perhaps as a symbol of purity, but realistically, after enduring so much torment, even an angel would develop hatred and resentment. That said, I started to like her more towards the conclusion, especially when she took control of her life, and I felt genuine pride in her growth.
Next is Lingjing. Initially, I liked her even though she was a ruthless mistress to Little Flower. She was intelligent and understood early on that marriage did not equate to freedom. I admired how she began to think more smartly when she was away from Little Flower, resisting her impulses of jealousy and anger. However, she was also quite cruel to Little Flower over trivial reasons, which made me roll my eyes at her petty actions. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, Lingjing's behavior deteriorated; she became increasingly foolish, allowing jealousy and rage to cloud her judgment, leading her to make several reckless decisions.
Ultimately, I found both of their endings somewhat satisfactory because they achieved the little freedom available to women of their time—and, in their own ways, found happiness by the story's close. Nonetheless, I was frustrated by the inclusion of romance in the latter half of the story, which I felt was unnecessary and detracted from the main narrative. I wish the latter part of the book had focused more deeply on the relationship between Little Flower and Lingjing, developing it beyond the superficial surface.
In conclusion, I am still uncertain whether I liked the book or not. While it was not a favorite, I did find it somewhat enjoyable and worth reading for the plot.
The storyline is compelling and kept my attention, especially as I was eager to discover the fate of the protagonists. However, the characters themselves were extremely unappealing, which was disappointing.
First, there's Little Flower, who starts off as very naive. Her character undergoes some development, especially towards the end, when she finally becomes aware that she must stand up for herself and stop allowing others to control her destiny. Honestly, her point of view until the third part was quite dull because her life was a continuous cycle of abuse—every positive experience was immediately overshadowed by further suffering. It became difficult to feel sympathy for her since she reacted so indifferently to most of what happened. The author attempts to depict her as someone who refuses revenge, perhaps as a symbol of purity, but realistically, after enduring so much torment, even an angel would develop hatred and resentment. That said, I started to like her more towards the conclusion, especially when she took control of her life, and I felt genuine pride in her growth.
Next is Lingjing. Initially, I liked her even though she was a ruthless mistress to Little Flower. She was intelligent and understood early on that marriage did not equate to freedom. I admired how she began to think more smartly when she was away from Little Flower, resisting her impulses of jealousy and anger. However, she was also quite cruel to Little Flower over trivial reasons, which made me roll my eyes at her petty actions. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, Lingjing's behavior deteriorated; she became increasingly foolish, allowing jealousy and rage to cloud her judgment, leading her to make several reckless decisions.
Ultimately, I found both of their endings somewhat satisfactory because they achieved the little freedom available to women of their time—and, in their own ways, found happiness by the story's close. Nonetheless, I was frustrated by the inclusion of romance in the latter half of the story, which I felt was unnecessary and detracted from the main narrative. I wish the latter part of the book had focused more deeply on the relationship between Little Flower and Lingjing, developing it beyond the superficial surface.
In conclusion, I am still uncertain whether I liked the book or not. While it was not a favorite, I did find it somewhat enjoyable and worth reading for the plot.
January 28, 2025
5/5 ★'s
"The Lotus Shoes" was a story I simply could not put down. I was captivated by this tale of two girls from China at the end of the 19th century. One, a Lady — and the other sold into slavery to work for a highborn household.
This story switches points of view between Linjing and Little Flower. They are so young when the tale starts that you can really see how your privileges (or hardships) in the world shape your understanding and perspectives. You can see and feel why both girls see the world the way they do, however, it is very hard at times to see all Little Flower must endure.
Privilege can truly birth an evil soul. The question is, can that person break out of their small-mindedness and does that atone for their previous mistakes?
There is so much struggle, growth, and heartache during this tale. Also, much history that you can grasp from it. I am immensely happy that I picked up a book outside of my usual reads! My mind is still digesting it. I was left feeling empty and whole all the same. I would read this one again, no doubt.
Little Flower and Linjing will have a little space in my brain for a long while. 🥰
"The Lotus Shoes" was a story I simply could not put down. I was captivated by this tale of two girls from China at the end of the 19th century. One, a Lady — and the other sold into slavery to work for a highborn household.
This story switches points of view between Linjing and Little Flower. They are so young when the tale starts that you can really see how your privileges (or hardships) in the world shape your understanding and perspectives. You can see and feel why both girls see the world the way they do, however, it is very hard at times to see all Little Flower must endure.
Privilege can truly birth an evil soul. The question is, can that person break out of their small-mindedness and does that atone for their previous mistakes?
There is so much struggle, growth, and heartache during this tale. Also, much history that you can grasp from it. I am immensely happy that I picked up a book outside of my usual reads! My mind is still digesting it. I was left feeling empty and whole all the same. I would read this one again, no doubt.
Little Flower and Linjing will have a little space in my brain for a long while. 🥰
November 1, 2024
Set in 1800s China, Little Flower is sold into slavery to a wealthy family of Fong.
The father of the Fong family arranges a marriage for his daughter Linjing. The father chooses a progressive family who doesn’t want a bride with bound feet. This creates jealousy as Little Flower has bound feet as her mother hoped that would help her in the future. Not only that, Little Flower is excellent at embroidery, the talent that Linjing lacks.
A betrayal leads to dire consequences for Little Flower, scaring her physically for life. And Linjing’s arranged marriage makes her rethink her strategy as she will need a loyal ally in the new household of her future husband. She starts seeing the right ally in Little Flower, but is it too late to tilt the scale and gain her confidence?
Little Flower tries to put the grief and loss aside and reach a new harmony in her life, but can she get passed sufferings to trust Linjing? At the same time, Linjing suffers unexpected betrayal from the person she trusted the most. As both girls suffer betrayals will that be the bridge between them?
This character-driven story captivates with characters that are flawed, complex, and driven. As they progress with their lives, they expose societal constrictions and pressure, and expose their actions through their thoughts.
The story has some grievances and unexpected twists and turns which makes the story very absorbing. The scenes are not descriptive but at the same time they have a power of cutting through with the pain one experiences. The prose is eloquent, sharp and engaging carrying the story with appealing pace.
This beautifully crafted story touchingly weaves the lives of two human spirits who search for their identity, in the process learning resilience and self-confidence.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The father of the Fong family arranges a marriage for his daughter Linjing. The father chooses a progressive family who doesn’t want a bride with bound feet. This creates jealousy as Little Flower has bound feet as her mother hoped that would help her in the future. Not only that, Little Flower is excellent at embroidery, the talent that Linjing lacks.
A betrayal leads to dire consequences for Little Flower, scaring her physically for life. And Linjing’s arranged marriage makes her rethink her strategy as she will need a loyal ally in the new household of her future husband. She starts seeing the right ally in Little Flower, but is it too late to tilt the scale and gain her confidence?
Little Flower tries to put the grief and loss aside and reach a new harmony in her life, but can she get passed sufferings to trust Linjing? At the same time, Linjing suffers unexpected betrayal from the person she trusted the most. As both girls suffer betrayals will that be the bridge between them?
This character-driven story captivates with characters that are flawed, complex, and driven. As they progress with their lives, they expose societal constrictions and pressure, and expose their actions through their thoughts.
The story has some grievances and unexpected twists and turns which makes the story very absorbing. The scenes are not descriptive but at the same time they have a power of cutting through with the pain one experiences. The prose is eloquent, sharp and engaging carrying the story with appealing pace.
This beautifully crafted story touchingly weaves the lives of two human spirits who search for their identity, in the process learning resilience and self-confidence.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2025
¡Wow, qué sorpresa me he llevado con este libro! Me ha gustado muchísimo.
Es una historia que remueve los sentimientos a través de sus protagonistas femeninas y tiene una ambientación maravillosa. Me ha encantado descubrir a esta escritora: tiene una prosa preciosa. Increíble que sea su primera novela. Totalmente recomendable.
Mi opinión en YouTube sin spoilers:
https://youtu.be/BrYY3GqmN9s
Es una historia que remueve los sentimientos a través de sus protagonistas femeninas y tiene una ambientación maravillosa. Me ha encantado descubrir a esta escritora: tiene una prosa preciosa. Increíble que sea su primera novela. Totalmente recomendable.
Mi opinión en YouTube sin spoilers:
https://youtu.be/BrYY3GqmN9s
July 28, 2025
Great historical fiction. Set in 1800s China, Little Flower has golden lollies and hopes that along with her unique embroidery skills, she will be destined for something more. When she is sold to the Fong family, she and their daughter form a bond of friendship and sisterhood which is often sabotaged by pettiness, rivalry, and jealousy.
When Little Flower captures the eye of a nobleman, unfair scandal ensues and their sisterly bond is tested.
This is a well-written look at the life of women in 17th century China, that explores sisterhood, friendship, class, business, marriage, and the role of women in society. Poignant and beautiful, this is for fans of Lisa See, Amy Tan, and Arthur Golden.
When Little Flower captures the eye of a nobleman, unfair scandal ensues and their sisterly bond is tested.
This is a well-written look at the life of women in 17th century China, that explores sisterhood, friendship, class, business, marriage, and the role of women in society. Poignant and beautiful, this is for fans of Lisa See, Amy Tan, and Arthur Golden.
April 24, 2024
This book was just incredible. An intricately woven story about two women from vastly different backgrounds, which transported me to a time and culture I knew nothing about. I knew from the very first page that I was going to love it. I remember years ago reading Memoirs of a Geisha and being absolutely swept away in the time and culture, and this was the same type of captivating read. Highly recommend!!
May 24, 2025
Fac ce fac și dau în ultima vreme peste cărți cu povești de viață deosebite. Deși nu mă așteptam să îmi placă neapărat această carte, având în vedere că se axează mult pe obiceiurile din China anului 1800, m-a surprins plăcut relația dintre Micuța Floare și stăpâna ei Linjing. Cele două trec prin tot felul de situații influențate de invidia pe care Linjing o resimte față de calitățile și abilitățile Micuței Floare. Când cele două ajung, printr-o împrejurare, să fie oarecum egale, vor ieși la iveală adevăratele intenții și calități umane ale fiecăreia.
June 7, 2024
"A daughter's sin is a mother's liability, just as a mother's sin is a daughter's burden."
The Lotus Shoes is a captivating character-driven novel about the lives of maidservant Little Flower and her mistress Linjing. Both characters and their motivations are written very well, and it's not often that I find myself enjoying a book with such a detestable main character as Linjing. She is complex, deeply flawed, but very human and served as an excellent foil for Little Flower. Little Flower reminded me of Jane Eyre, one of my favorite literary characters, and I loved witnessing her growth and how she handled every setback, either by the hands of Linjing or others, with determination and grace.
However, what broke the immersion for me was the portrayal of Little Flower and Linjing's thoughts and revelations. I found that their internal monologue a bit too straightforward and self-aware for my taste, and would have preferred more nuance and subtlety. Additionally, I felt the narrative could have relied less on exposition and time skips and shown more glimpses into Little Flower and Linjing's tenuous relationship in the middle part of the book as they grew up. I was also taken out of the story by the inconsistency in names, where there were traditional Chinese names like "Meilian" but also translated names like "Harmony," "Valiant," and "Sapphire."
All in all, this was an impressive exploration of societal pressures, freedom, and the cultural landscape surrounding 19th-century China with the introduction of Western ideals and values. This book provided a good contrast to Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, a book about 15th-century China, and I liked reading Jyutping/Cantonese instead of Pinyin/Mandarin for a change.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
April 25, 2025
✧₊‧˚⁀➷ 2.67/5 .ᐟ
genuinely so sad about not liking this. i like the concept, but the execution was very flat. the characters are one dimensional and utterly aggravating to read about.
let's start with little flower. she's the enslaved character getting fucked over by her entitled mistress left and right. at one point, she's permanently miamed the family that owns her, resulting in her being unable to practice her art, the only means of self-expression she's allowed as a slave. i understand that based on the time period and her position, she has very few options for recourse, and that's obviously not her fault. but she's gandhi-like in her inner monologue as well, to the point of derangement. the personification of toxic positivity. she "resents" her employers somewhat, but she's unable to hate them because as women, they're victims of misogyny too. never does she even in her thoughts wish anything against them. which is like?? yes, that's such an admirable mindset, truly love your maturity, but this is the late 1800s, andrea dworkin. do you genuinely expect me to believe that this is the realistic mindset of a woman in the 1800s, when it's not even the mindset of most women today? and forget accuracy, actually, i don't even care, it's just that reading about miss mother theresa is an irritating, eye-bleeding experience. this other enslaved girl, friend of little flower's, once gets her literal eye cut out, and understandably, the friend becomes a little hateful towards the employers after that. little flower is sooo condescending towards the friend, like "i don't want to be hateful like you, i want to be happy, hope you become cheerful" or something equally weird, and oh my god, i wanted to climb into the book and help linjing kill her myself.
moving onto linjing. she is little flower's owner. okay, i know there's probably plenty of rich people that act like her in real life, and there were probably more of them in the 1800s. but again, reading about one-dimensional characters that are as insufferable, entitled, and stupid at age 20 as they are at age five is not an interesting experience. she's obviously written to be unlikable, i know that's the point of her character, but there are ways to make unlikable characters interesting, and she's just very much not. she's supposed to show how even wealthy women have no autonomy in a world that caters to the whims of men, but it's very surface level, and the theme is undercut by little flower's constant gandhi tendencies. linjing does have a redemption arc, but it occurs so late in the book that it's disneyish. it's just little flower telling her "hey, you're kind of an entitled freak, and we were never friends because i was literally your slave" and linjing is like "omg? you're so real. i'll be nice from now on." like okay...? it's ridiculous how fast linjing becomes a normal human. cured by one two-page speech. are we serious?
linjing and little flower's relationship itself is paced very oddly. linjing spends years psychologically torturing little flower (part 1 and 2) and then there's a two year timeskip for part 3, in which they're magically friends. there's a little flashback, showing how linjing vows to be kind employer, but a single one-page flashback isn't really good development, is it? of course, after that, you see that linjing is still insufferable. she's now just a better actress, but i still would have liked to see what happened in those two years.
thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
genuinely so sad about not liking this. i like the concept, but the execution was very flat. the characters are one dimensional and utterly aggravating to read about.
let's start with little flower. she's the enslaved character getting fucked over by her entitled mistress left and right. at one point, she's permanently miamed the family that owns her, resulting in her being unable to practice her art, the only means of self-expression she's allowed as a slave. i understand that based on the time period and her position, she has very few options for recourse, and that's obviously not her fault. but she's gandhi-like in her inner monologue as well, to the point of derangement. the personification of toxic positivity. she "resents" her employers somewhat, but she's unable to hate them because as women, they're victims of misogyny too. never does she even in her thoughts wish anything against them. which is like?? yes, that's such an admirable mindset, truly love your maturity, but this is the late 1800s, andrea dworkin. do you genuinely expect me to believe that this is the realistic mindset of a woman in the 1800s, when it's not even the mindset of most women today? and forget accuracy, actually, i don't even care, it's just that reading about miss mother theresa is an irritating, eye-bleeding experience. this other enslaved girl, friend of little flower's, once gets her literal eye cut out, and understandably, the friend becomes a little hateful towards the employers after that. little flower is sooo condescending towards the friend, like "i don't want to be hateful like you, i want to be happy, hope you become cheerful" or something equally weird, and oh my god, i wanted to climb into the book and help linjing kill her myself.
moving onto linjing. she is little flower's owner. okay, i know there's probably plenty of rich people that act like her in real life, and there were probably more of them in the 1800s. but again, reading about one-dimensional characters that are as insufferable, entitled, and stupid at age 20 as they are at age five is not an interesting experience. she's obviously written to be unlikable, i know that's the point of her character, but there are ways to make unlikable characters interesting, and she's just very much not. she's supposed to show how even wealthy women have no autonomy in a world that caters to the whims of men, but it's very surface level, and the theme is undercut by little flower's constant gandhi tendencies. linjing does have a redemption arc, but it occurs so late in the book that it's disneyish. it's just little flower telling her "hey, you're kind of an entitled freak, and we were never friends because i was literally your slave" and linjing is like "omg? you're so real. i'll be nice from now on." like okay...? it's ridiculous how fast linjing becomes a normal human. cured by one two-page speech. are we serious?
linjing and little flower's relationship itself is paced very oddly. linjing spends years psychologically torturing little flower (part 1 and 2) and then there's a two year timeskip for part 3, in which they're magically friends. there's a little flashback, showing how linjing vows to be kind employer, but a single one-page flashback isn't really good development, is it? of course, after that, you see that linjing is still insufferable. she's now just a better actress, but i still would have liked to see what happened in those two years.
thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
August 1, 2025
4,5
Primera novela de la autora que viene con una historia pisando fuerte, Yang escribe sobre la difícil situación de las mujeres en la China del siglo XIX, profundizando de una manera magistral en las divisiones de las clases, las normas sociales, las presiones familiares… Con unos personajes que están perfectamente construidos, complejos y con historias para entender el porqué de sus acciones.
Pequeña flor es vendida como esclava con seis años a una familia de bien, será la esclava de una niña malcriada, caprichosa y celosa. Fue vendida para que su madre y su hermano pudieran mantenerse, ya que las mujeres/niñas, tenían únicamente el papel de casarse, es por ello que su madre desde los cuatro años ya le vendaba los pies, un signo de belleza para los hombres…
Linjing será la otra protagonista, esa niña malcriada y celosa porque su esclava tiene los pies pequeños, porque sabe bordar y porque parece una dama en vez de una esclava.
A lo largo de la historia iremos viendo como las dos niñas crecen, y todas las decisiones que van tomando, ¿ será posible una amista entre señora y esclava?
Un libro con el que te das cuenta de la implacable, estricta y despiadada cultura de China en aquella época, el como romper las tradiciones acarreaba castigos muy duros, un libro donde la tradición empieza a chocar con la influencia de Occidente. Contada desde los dos puntos de vista de los protagonistas, celos, traiciones, mentiras, amor, resilencia y muchos mas…
ME ha encantado, una novela con la que he aprendido las muchas tradiciones de esta cultura, una historia con la que te cabreas, donde las mujeres no valían absolutamente nada mas que para casarse y tener hijos ( y mejor si eran varones), asique si te gusta este tipo de novelas, o quieres adentrarte en esta cultura, te lo recomiendo mucho.
“Si no pueden aceptarte, no merece la pena conservarlos”
Primera novela de la autora que viene con una historia pisando fuerte, Yang escribe sobre la difícil situación de las mujeres en la China del siglo XIX, profundizando de una manera magistral en las divisiones de las clases, las normas sociales, las presiones familiares… Con unos personajes que están perfectamente construidos, complejos y con historias para entender el porqué de sus acciones.
Pequeña flor es vendida como esclava con seis años a una familia de bien, será la esclava de una niña malcriada, caprichosa y celosa. Fue vendida para que su madre y su hermano pudieran mantenerse, ya que las mujeres/niñas, tenían únicamente el papel de casarse, es por ello que su madre desde los cuatro años ya le vendaba los pies, un signo de belleza para los hombres…
Linjing será la otra protagonista, esa niña malcriada y celosa porque su esclava tiene los pies pequeños, porque sabe bordar y porque parece una dama en vez de una esclava.
A lo largo de la historia iremos viendo como las dos niñas crecen, y todas las decisiones que van tomando, ¿ será posible una amista entre señora y esclava?
Un libro con el que te das cuenta de la implacable, estricta y despiadada cultura de China en aquella época, el como romper las tradiciones acarreaba castigos muy duros, un libro donde la tradición empieza a chocar con la influencia de Occidente. Contada desde los dos puntos de vista de los protagonistas, celos, traiciones, mentiras, amor, resilencia y muchos mas…
ME ha encantado, una novela con la que he aprendido las muchas tradiciones de esta cultura, una historia con la que te cabreas, donde las mujeres no valían absolutamente nada mas que para casarse y tener hijos ( y mejor si eran varones), asique si te gusta este tipo de novelas, o quieres adentrarte en esta cultura, te lo recomiendo mucho.
“Si no pueden aceptarte, no merece la pena conservarlos”
March 29, 2025
The Lotus Shoes is a tale of perseverance in the face of China's misogynist class system that makes upward mobility a near impossibility. It's a fast paced historical fiction that is both heart rending and hopeful at once.
In the Lotus Shoes Little Flower is sold into slavery to Linjings family as the young girls muizai. Throughout the years the girls must weather growing up, tremendous upheaval, and scandal.
I found Little Flower to be a sympathetic main character that is full of heart, determination, grit, and compassion. Linjing is her foil and hinders Little Flower at every turn making her a character that is hard to like. Despite Linjings odious personality her character growth is satisfying and I found the end rewarding.
It's not the most stand out or notable historical fiction but The Lotus Shoes is good. It's a competent tale of the ties that bind women, of how women can help and hinder one another in a society where women have little agency.
In the Lotus Shoes Little Flower is sold into slavery to Linjings family as the young girls muizai. Throughout the years the girls must weather growing up, tremendous upheaval, and scandal.
I found Little Flower to be a sympathetic main character that is full of heart, determination, grit, and compassion. Linjing is her foil and hinders Little Flower at every turn making her a character that is hard to like. Despite Linjings odious personality her character growth is satisfying and I found the end rewarding.
It's not the most stand out or notable historical fiction but The Lotus Shoes is good. It's a competent tale of the ties that bind women, of how women can help and hinder one another in a society where women have little agency.
October 5, 2025
Reading a book like this really reminds me why I am lucky to be a woman in the 21st century.
The Lotus Shoes follows the lives of two Chinese women, one a high born lady and the other a girl sold into slavery. Little Flower was sold to Linjing's family as a little girl after her father died. Little Flower has bound feet and is skilled at embroidery. Linging is resentful of all of Little Flower's gifts and Linging believes her own mother likes Little Flower more. Little Flower wants nothing more than to go back to her mother but tries to make the best of her life. The two of them face many different trials and hardships but ultimately try to make the best out of what life throws at them.
This is a powerful look at what life was like for two very different women in China in the 1800s. An excellent read and I highly recommend if you love historical fiction books.
The Lotus Shoes follows the lives of two Chinese women, one a high born lady and the other a girl sold into slavery. Little Flower was sold to Linjing's family as a little girl after her father died. Little Flower has bound feet and is skilled at embroidery. Linging is resentful of all of Little Flower's gifts and Linging believes her own mother likes Little Flower more. Little Flower wants nothing more than to go back to her mother but tries to make the best of her life. The two of them face many different trials and hardships but ultimately try to make the best out of what life throws at them.
This is a powerful look at what life was like for two very different women in China in the 1800s. An excellent read and I highly recommend if you love historical fiction books.
February 15, 2025
“We lived in a hierarchy that favored men. Women, be it peasant or lady, first wife or mentor wives, were pitches against each other, fighting among themselves for scraps of power and security.”
― Jane Yang, The Lotus Shoes
Story: 5 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
Narrator: Jade Phan-Gia, Daphne Huynh
Available: Hoopla
This was a well done story of the challenges women from different classes experienced in China around the turn of the twentieth century. The novel alternates between the POV’s of Little Flower and Linjing Fong. Little Flower was sold to the Fong family and became the slave of Linjing Fong. Both girls face challenges in each of their differing classes. I enjoyed this format, because it really allowed the reader to view the situations in a unique way. It’s been a while since I’ve rooted for a character as much as I did Little Flower. A wonderful accomplishment for Yang’s first novel & I look forward to see more of her novels in the future. Recommend to fans of Lisa See.
Listened at 1.25 speed.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
― Jane Yang, The Lotus Shoes
Story: 5 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
Narrator: Jade Phan-Gia, Daphne Huynh
Available: Hoopla
This was a well done story of the challenges women from different classes experienced in China around the turn of the twentieth century. The novel alternates between the POV’s of Little Flower and Linjing Fong. Little Flower was sold to the Fong family and became the slave of Linjing Fong. Both girls face challenges in each of their differing classes. I enjoyed this format, because it really allowed the reader to view the situations in a unique way. It’s been a while since I’ve rooted for a character as much as I did Little Flower. A wonderful accomplishment for Yang’s first novel & I look forward to see more of her novels in the future. Recommend to fans of Lisa See.
Listened at 1.25 speed.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! A new historical fiction release set in 1800s China. We follow the complex relationship between two young girls as they grow up, Little Flower and Linjing. The audiobook in particular was really well done and I enjoyed the author’s note at the end for the inspiration for the story, how it came to be, and her own family history playing a part.
We see Little Flower being sold into the Fong’s wealthy family when she’s just a girl, she becomes a maid/companion/chaperone of sorts to the household, but especially to Linjing. We see childish jealousy and rivalry and even more complex aspects of friendship, betrayal, loss, and the sometimes good, sometimes bad, bond these two women have their whole lives. Matchmaking, golden lilies (bound feet), Linjing’s father wanting to become a more modern family like he’s seen from the western world, needlepoint work, embroidery, business aspirations, love, loss, and everything in between.
We see Little Flower being sold into the Fong’s wealthy family when she’s just a girl, she becomes a maid/companion/chaperone of sorts to the household, but especially to Linjing. We see childish jealousy and rivalry and even more complex aspects of friendship, betrayal, loss, and the sometimes good, sometimes bad, bond these two women have their whole lives. Matchmaking, golden lilies (bound feet), Linjing’s father wanting to become a more modern family like he’s seen from the western world, needlepoint work, embroidery, business aspirations, love, loss, and everything in between.
March 19, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc.
i would have rated this much higher, but linjing’s jealousy and hatred towards little flower the entire story got old really fast.
as for the narrators, they both did a fine job!
i would have rated this much higher, but linjing’s jealousy and hatred towards little flower the entire story got old really fast.
as for the narrators, they both did a fine job!
June 11, 2025
Un roman tulburător, care se deschide și se încheie cu pagini sfâșietoare, imposibil de parcurs fără lacrimi în ochi. Jane Yang reușește să reconstruiască, cu o sensibilitate dureroasă, o lume în care femeile aveau valoare doar în măsura în care aduceau un moștenitor și se supuneau normelor nemiloase ale unei societăți profund patriarhale.
Povestea o urmărește pe Micuța Floare, o fată dintr-o familie săracă, vândută pentru a deveni muizai (servitoare) în casa unei familii înstărite. Acolo o cunoaște pe Linjing, fiica stăpânei, care devine în timp centrul suferinței, dar și al speranțelor ei. Relația complicată dintre Micuța Floare și Linjing se transformă de-a lungul timpului, oscilând între supunere, afecțiune și trădare. Abia în fața unei pierderi ireversibile, Linjing realizează cât de profundă era legătura dintre ele, dincolo de barierele impuse de societate.
Durerea prin care trece protagonista este copleșitoare, dar și revelatoare: povestea devine un elogiu al rezistenței, al legăturilor sufletești și al speranței.
Această lectură mi-a lăsat o lecție puternică: indiferent de cât de grele sunt încercările prin care trecem, visurile și demnitatea nu trebuie abandonate. Statutul social este trecător — ceea ce rămâne este forța interioară, spiritul de sacrificiu și curajul de a iubi și a lupta.
Mi-a plăcut mult felul în care Jane Yang a construit narațiunea — cu un ritm bun, cu detalii culturale fascinante, care m-au ținut în priză. Totuși, finalul mi s-a părut ușor sec și grăbit în comparație cu restul poveștii, care a fost atât de intensă și încărcată emoțional.
Recomand cu toată inima acest roman celor care caută o poveste profund umană, plină de emoție, despre prietenie, pierdere și supraviețuire într-o lume care părea să lase prea puțin loc pentru vise.
Povestea o urmărește pe Micuța Floare, o fată dintr-o familie săracă, vândută pentru a deveni muizai (servitoare) în casa unei familii înstărite. Acolo o cunoaște pe Linjing, fiica stăpânei, care devine în timp centrul suferinței, dar și al speranțelor ei. Relația complicată dintre Micuța Floare și Linjing se transformă de-a lungul timpului, oscilând între supunere, afecțiune și trădare. Abia în fața unei pierderi ireversibile, Linjing realizează cât de profundă era legătura dintre ele, dincolo de barierele impuse de societate.
Durerea prin care trece protagonista este copleșitoare, dar și revelatoare: povestea devine un elogiu al rezistenței, al legăturilor sufletești și al speranței.
Această lectură mi-a lăsat o lecție puternică: indiferent de cât de grele sunt încercările prin care trecem, visurile și demnitatea nu trebuie abandonate. Statutul social este trecător — ceea ce rămâne este forța interioară, spiritul de sacrificiu și curajul de a iubi și a lupta.
Mi-a plăcut mult felul în care Jane Yang a construit narațiunea — cu un ritm bun, cu detalii culturale fascinante, care m-au ținut în priză. Totuși, finalul mi s-a părut ușor sec și grăbit în comparație cu restul poveștii, care a fost atât de intensă și încărcată emoțional.
Recomand cu toată inima acest roman celor care caută o poveste profund umană, plină de emoție, despre prietenie, pierdere și supraviețuire într-o lume care părea să lase prea puțin loc pentru vise.
November 2, 2025
Pies de loto es una novela que se lee con el corazón abierto. Jane Yang construye una historia íntima y dolorosamente humana, atravesada por la tradición, el trauma histórico y la búsqueda de una identidad propia dentro de un mundo que presiona y reprime... con tanta fuerza y crudeza como el vendado de pies; una práctica cruel y ancestral que habla no solo de sufrimiento extremo, sino también de sumisión y poder.
Los personajes femeninos están retratados con profundidad emocional y matices. Sus conflictos internos —entre el deber y la libertad, entre la tradición y la posibilidad de cambio— resultan palpables, reales. Hay escenas que se quedan grabadas en la mente, especialmente aquellas que muestran la intimidad entre mujeres en contextos de opresión: conversaciones susurradas, miradas que dicen mucho más que cualquier discurso, gestos que sostienen la vida cuando el cuerpo ya no soporta. Pero también nos presenta el lado más perverso del alma humana, en donde proliferan la envidia y el ego.
Pies de loto es una lectura poderosa, poética y visceral que desnuda un mundo en donde nacer mujer es una condena, y no tener lirios dorados te somete al peor de los destinos. Maravillosa y conmovedora de principio a fin.
Los personajes femeninos están retratados con profundidad emocional y matices. Sus conflictos internos —entre el deber y la libertad, entre la tradición y la posibilidad de cambio— resultan palpables, reales. Hay escenas que se quedan grabadas en la mente, especialmente aquellas que muestran la intimidad entre mujeres en contextos de opresión: conversaciones susurradas, miradas que dicen mucho más que cualquier discurso, gestos que sostienen la vida cuando el cuerpo ya no soporta. Pero también nos presenta el lado más perverso del alma humana, en donde proliferan la envidia y el ego.
Pies de loto es una lectura poderosa, poética y visceral que desnuda un mundo en donde nacer mujer es una condena, y no tener lirios dorados te somete al peor de los destinos. Maravillosa y conmovedora de principio a fin.
February 10, 2025
Review to follow.
February 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this story of friendship in late 19th century China. The historical details had me googling everything from foot binding to the class system in China. This will definitely be on my favorites list for historical fiction!
February 26, 2025
Underwhelming. Loves the premise but the story was all over the place.
Ending up skimming to the end.
Ending up skimming to the end.
December 9, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Much of the historical fiction I've read set in 19th century China focuses on setting and plot often with a large cast of characters. The Lotus Shoes is almost exclusively character driven. The voices of two characters alternate throughout the book. Lingjing and Little Flower are from different worlds, affluence and poverty. The two girls fates are intertwined when Little Flower's mother is forced to sell her daughter to the Fong family as a slave for Lingjing. The sale is conditional, Little Flower is to be released when she finds a suitable marriage. The hope for a better future sustains her, she develops remarkable embroidery skills and she is both empathetic and intelligent. The story follows the girls into adulthood with many twists and turns. Not exactly a Cinderella a story although I thought of that tale several times. The history of foot binding is interesting and add a complexity to the story. Overall a good read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for providing me with an advance copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for providing me with an advance copy.
May 2, 2025
'Gouden Lotus' is een ontroerend en hartverscheurend boek dat vele lezers zal raken. Het combineert elementen van het oude China met een emotioneel verhaal over slavernij, vriendschap en familie.
In 'Gouden Lotus' volgen we Kleine Bloem, een meisje dat op jonge leeftijd wordt verkocht aan de familie Fong als dienstmeisje voor hun dochter Linjing. Het nieuwe leven is zwaar voor Kleine Bloem, zeker omdat Linjing ontzettend jaloers is op haar gebonden voeten en borduurtalent. Terwijl de jaren verstrijken, ontstaat er onverwacht toch een complexe vriendschapsband tussen de meisjes. Maar wanneer een schandaal de familie Fong onverwacht treft, staan ze er ineens alleen voor – ze hebben enkel nog elkaar. Dit biedt Kleine Bloem een unieke kans op vrijheid en liefde. Zal Linjing haar verraden of helpen?
Dit is zo’n boek dat de lezer grijpt vanaf de eerste bladzijdes, waarin Kleine Bloem als slaaf wordt verkocht. Haar emoties en onbegrip als kind zijn direct voelbaar, en het is onmogelijk om haar verdriet naast je neer te leggen. Linjing daarentegen is een verwend meisje, dat niet anders gewend is dan luxe door haar rijke familie. Toch merk je als lezer al snel dat ook zij worstelt met haar eigen onzekerheden. De afwisseling tussen beide perspectieven zorgt voor een interessante dynamiek in het verhaal en maakt duidelijk dat, ondanks hun verschillende achtergronden, beide meisjes op hun eigen manier lijden onder oude tradities en gewoontes.
Het verhaal beslaat meerdere jaren: van hun kinderleeftijd tot hun jonge volwassenheid. Hierdoor zien we hoe de complexe band tussen Kleine Bloem en Linjing uitgroeit van een slavin-meesteresrelatie tot een prille vriendschap. Toch wordt deze vriendschap vaak ondermijnd door leugens en manipulatie van Linjing, die Kleine Bloem toch altijd een beetje als haar dienstmeisje blijft zien. Als lezer voel je veel tijdens het lezen: frustratie, ergernis, medelijden en woede. Naar het einde toe ondergaat Linjing echter een serieuze karakterontwikkeling. Het slot is daarom ontroerend en hartverwarmend.
Wat dit verhaal zo sterk maakt, zijn de cultuurhistorische elementen. Het is boeiend om te lezen hoe oude Chinese tradities invloed hadden op het leven van de hoofdpersonages. Zo was Kleine Bloem toch wel trots op haar gebonden voeten, ondanks het ongemak dat ze haar bezorgden. Het boek snijdt belangrijke onderwerpen aan, zoals slavernij, en zet de lezer aan het denken. Er zijn ook twee martelscènes in het boek – die de harde realiteit weergeven – maar deze worden niet uitgebreid in detail beschreven.
De schrijfstijl van Jane Yang is beeldend en weet de gevoelens van de personages perfect over te brengen. Dat maakt dat het verhaal zeer vlot leest. Ondanks de vele historische elementen blijft het verhaal steeds zijn essentie behouden. En dat is precies wat dit boek zo sterk maakt: het is een verhaal over twee meisjes die elk worstelen met tradities en verwachtingen in het negentiende-eeuwse China. Uiteindelijk hopen ze allebei gewoon op liefde en acceptatie.
'Gouden Lotus' is een echte aanrader voor liefhebbers van historische romans en zal veel harten weten te veroveren. Het is een boek dat je aan het denken zet. Een krachtig debuut!
In 'Gouden Lotus' volgen we Kleine Bloem, een meisje dat op jonge leeftijd wordt verkocht aan de familie Fong als dienstmeisje voor hun dochter Linjing. Het nieuwe leven is zwaar voor Kleine Bloem, zeker omdat Linjing ontzettend jaloers is op haar gebonden voeten en borduurtalent. Terwijl de jaren verstrijken, ontstaat er onverwacht toch een complexe vriendschapsband tussen de meisjes. Maar wanneer een schandaal de familie Fong onverwacht treft, staan ze er ineens alleen voor – ze hebben enkel nog elkaar. Dit biedt Kleine Bloem een unieke kans op vrijheid en liefde. Zal Linjing haar verraden of helpen?
Dit is zo’n boek dat de lezer grijpt vanaf de eerste bladzijdes, waarin Kleine Bloem als slaaf wordt verkocht. Haar emoties en onbegrip als kind zijn direct voelbaar, en het is onmogelijk om haar verdriet naast je neer te leggen. Linjing daarentegen is een verwend meisje, dat niet anders gewend is dan luxe door haar rijke familie. Toch merk je als lezer al snel dat ook zij worstelt met haar eigen onzekerheden. De afwisseling tussen beide perspectieven zorgt voor een interessante dynamiek in het verhaal en maakt duidelijk dat, ondanks hun verschillende achtergronden, beide meisjes op hun eigen manier lijden onder oude tradities en gewoontes.
Het verhaal beslaat meerdere jaren: van hun kinderleeftijd tot hun jonge volwassenheid. Hierdoor zien we hoe de complexe band tussen Kleine Bloem en Linjing uitgroeit van een slavin-meesteresrelatie tot een prille vriendschap. Toch wordt deze vriendschap vaak ondermijnd door leugens en manipulatie van Linjing, die Kleine Bloem toch altijd een beetje als haar dienstmeisje blijft zien. Als lezer voel je veel tijdens het lezen: frustratie, ergernis, medelijden en woede. Naar het einde toe ondergaat Linjing echter een serieuze karakterontwikkeling. Het slot is daarom ontroerend en hartverwarmend.
Wat dit verhaal zo sterk maakt, zijn de cultuurhistorische elementen. Het is boeiend om te lezen hoe oude Chinese tradities invloed hadden op het leven van de hoofdpersonages. Zo was Kleine Bloem toch wel trots op haar gebonden voeten, ondanks het ongemak dat ze haar bezorgden. Het boek snijdt belangrijke onderwerpen aan, zoals slavernij, en zet de lezer aan het denken. Er zijn ook twee martelscènes in het boek – die de harde realiteit weergeven – maar deze worden niet uitgebreid in detail beschreven.
De schrijfstijl van Jane Yang is beeldend en weet de gevoelens van de personages perfect over te brengen. Dat maakt dat het verhaal zeer vlot leest. Ondanks de vele historische elementen blijft het verhaal steeds zijn essentie behouden. En dat is precies wat dit boek zo sterk maakt: het is een verhaal over twee meisjes die elk worstelen met tradities en verwachtingen in het negentiende-eeuwse China. Uiteindelijk hopen ze allebei gewoon op liefde en acceptatie.
'Gouden Lotus' is een echte aanrader voor liefhebbers van historische romans en zal veel harten weten te veroveren. Het is een boek dat je aan het denken zet. Een krachtig debuut!
August 3, 2025
Prin aceasta carte mi s a dezvaluit o imagine a Chinei din 1800 ce nu o cunosteam si care m a surprins..Vorbim de sclavi, poligamie, ierarhie intre sotii, despre o sicietate patriarhala cu numeroase reguli.
Este o poveste de viata, despre dureri si bucurii, despre capaciatatea unei muizai de a se ridica.
Merita citita.
Este o poveste de viata, despre dureri si bucurii, despre capaciatatea unei muizai de a se ridica.
Merita citita.
May 20, 2025
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang is an exceptional book from start to finish. It had me spellbound, hooked, entranced and I simply could not out it down. I read this book at a steady pace because I simply did not want to leave the world Little Flower and Linjing resided in. A powerful, profound and eye opening book that touches on pieces of Chinese feminists history. The Lotus shoes tells the story of two girls from different classes, from two different worlds now bounded together. Their fates be coming one.
Little Flower has lost her father and lives in poverty, her mother decides to sell her off to a rich family to be a muizai a mistress's shadow, she believes there she will live a better life than the current one she is living with her mother (Aa Noeng).) Little Flower refuses she wants to stay with her mother, but Aa Noeng has already made up her mind and feels this is the best solution for them. She is being sold to Lady Phoenix Fong (household) who are conservatives and believe in the old tradition of bounded feet, a painful way of making the feet smaller. Believed to be a status of beauty and elegance however it comes at a price, having bounded feet brings extreme pain to the person.
In the household Little Flower is the Muizai to the daughter of Lady Phoenix, Linjing. Her father believes that modern times are approaching, that there is no need for Linjing to have bounded feet. Because with bounded feet you cannot run as fast, you cannot climb trees you cannot play or do childish activities. Maa Maa (Linjing's Grandmother ) and Lady Phoenix find the idea of Linjing not having bounded feet absurd, they believe with bounded feet her chances of getting married to a husband of high class are far higher.
As Little Flower lives as Linjing's muizai, tragedy strikes the family, a big secret is revealed, and both their lives change forever. That is all I will say because obviously the more I reveal the less enjoyable the book will be. I highly recommend giving this book a read, if you are a fan of History then you will like Chinese history mixed with a beautiful fictional story revolving the two girls, Little Flower and Linjing.
Touching on the character of Little Flower, her tenacity, determination, resolve and quick wittiness despite what she endures and goes through. She keeps pushing forward, simply an amazing character. She has a more stronger development of character compared to Linjing. However this story would not be able to progress or develop without Linjing, she develops really well as well. Although it took a bit of time for her to grow, her growth was lovely to read. Especially the friendship that forms between her and Little Flower
The character development the two characters go through is beautiful, with Little Flower being the highlight and easily my favorite character. Linjing frustrated me at times with her behaviour but you get to see the change and realization she goes through. While reading this book there were times I would stop reading and simply smile, times where I would feel frustrated and sad for these two characters.Jane Yang simply wrote a beautiful story with an excellent plot, lovely pacing, incredible characters and powerful themes. Themes such as, love, envy, jealousy, hatred, social classes, slavery, infidelity, societal pressure, religion, freedom, masculinity and feminism.
Some impactful quotes from the book:
"We cannot let them win. They own our bodies but they will never have our souls. This are ours, always."
"It's difficult to believe peasant blood runs in your veins."
"Slavery is a cruelty I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy".
"Show them that your resolve is stronger than their malice."
The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang is an exceptional book from start to finish. It had me spellbound, hooked, entranced and I simply could not out it down. I read this book at a steady pace because I simply did not want to leave the world Little Flower and Linjing resided in. A powerful, profound and eye opening book that touches on pieces of Chinese feminists history. The Lotus shoes tells the story of two girls from different classes, from two different worlds now bounded together. Their fates be coming one.
Little Flower has lost her father and lives in poverty, her mother decides to sell her off to a rich family to be a muizai a mistress's shadow, she believes there she will live a better life than the current one she is living with her mother (Aa Noeng).) Little Flower refuses she wants to stay with her mother, but Aa Noeng has already made up her mind and feels this is the best solution for them. She is being sold to Lady Phoenix Fong (household) who are conservatives and believe in the old tradition of bounded feet, a painful way of making the feet smaller. Believed to be a status of beauty and elegance however it comes at a price, having bounded feet brings extreme pain to the person.
In the household Little Flower is the Muizai to the daughter of Lady Phoenix, Linjing. Her father believes that modern times are approaching, that there is no need for Linjing to have bounded feet. Because with bounded feet you cannot run as fast, you cannot climb trees you cannot play or do childish activities. Maa Maa (Linjing's Grandmother ) and Lady Phoenix find the idea of Linjing not having bounded feet absurd, they believe with bounded feet her chances of getting married to a husband of high class are far higher.
As Little Flower lives as Linjing's muizai, tragedy strikes the family, a big secret is revealed, and both their lives change forever. That is all I will say because obviously the more I reveal the less enjoyable the book will be. I highly recommend giving this book a read, if you are a fan of History then you will like Chinese history mixed with a beautiful fictional story revolving the two girls, Little Flower and Linjing.
Touching on the character of Little Flower, her tenacity, determination, resolve and quick wittiness despite what she endures and goes through. She keeps pushing forward, simply an amazing character. She has a more stronger development of character compared to Linjing. However this story would not be able to progress or develop without Linjing, she develops really well as well. Although it took a bit of time for her to grow, her growth was lovely to read. Especially the friendship that forms between her and Little Flower
The character development the two characters go through is beautiful, with Little Flower being the highlight and easily my favorite character. Linjing frustrated me at times with her behaviour but you get to see the change and realization she goes through. While reading this book there were times I would stop reading and simply smile, times where I would feel frustrated and sad for these two characters.Jane Yang simply wrote a beautiful story with an excellent plot, lovely pacing, incredible characters and powerful themes. Themes such as, love, envy, jealousy, hatred, social classes, slavery, infidelity, societal pressure, religion, freedom, masculinity and feminism.
Some impactful quotes from the book:
"We cannot let them win. They own our bodies but they will never have our souls. This are ours, always."
"It's difficult to believe peasant blood runs in your veins."
"Slavery is a cruelty I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy".
"Show them that your resolve is stronger than their malice."
July 10, 2025
Pantofii de Lotus ne teleportează în China anilor 1800 unde Micuța Floare este vândută unei familii bogate pentru a deveni muizai, adică sclavă. Copila se dovedește mult mai talentată decât stăpâna sa la brodat și mai are și picioarele legate. Aceste lucruri o fac geloasă și îi face micuței viața grea.
Sunt nevoite să colaboreze, în ciuda diferențelor sociale, pentru binele și viitorul lor. Până într-o zi când nenorocirea lovește la ușa și viața le este dată peste cap. Va profita Micuța Floare să se elibereze sau vor cădea amândouă pradă unei vieți tragice?
Este o carte foarte frumos scrisă și aduce informații istorice importante. Am aflat multe lucruri noi, dar pe măsură ce citești nu ai cum să nu simți furie, revoltă pentru ce se întâmplă, pentru bietele fete, femei.
Sunt nevoite să colaboreze, în ciuda diferențelor sociale, pentru binele și viitorul lor. Până într-o zi când nenorocirea lovește la ușa și viața le este dată peste cap. Va profita Micuța Floare să se elibereze sau vor cădea amândouă pradă unei vieți tragice?
Este o carte foarte frumos scrisă și aduce informații istorice importante. Am aflat multe lucruri noi, dar pe măsură ce citești nu ai cum să nu simți furie, revoltă pentru ce se întâmplă, pentru bietele fete, femei.
October 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A remarkable story spanning the lives of two girls as they navigate tradition and their places within the male-dominated society of China as well as the tiered balance of women over other women using the power of position to hold over those they feel superior to. For fans of Lisa See and Amy Tan.
A remarkable story spanning the lives of two girls as they navigate tradition and their places within the male-dominated society of China as well as the tiered balance of women over other women using the power of position to hold over those they feel superior to. For fans of Lisa See and Amy Tan.
February 14, 2025
China, de 19e eeuw. Het meisje Kleine Bloem wordt door haar arme moeder verkocht aan een rijke familie om hun dochter Linjing, als slavin te dienen. Ze heeft talent voor borduren en haar moeder heeft haar voeten al vanaf jonge leeftijd ingebonden, om haar met gouden lotussen een kans te geven op een beter leven. Linjing is echter vreselijk jaloers op haar en doet er, verblind door aannames en eigenbelang, alles aan om haar dwars te zitten. Hun ongelijke posities zorgen ervoor dat ze nooit een echte vriendschap ontwikkelen, maar ze hebben elkaar toch nodig, zeker als een heftige gebeurtenis hun toekomst voor altijd verandert.
De wisselende perspectieven laten je kennismaken met beide meisjes, met hun overtuigingen, dromen, gevoelens, waarden en angsten en door tijdsprongen volg je deze personages in verschillende levensfasen, waarin ze veel beproevingen moeten doorstaan. Hun relatie, de setting, de geschiedkundige elementen, de tradities en consequenties van de klassenverschillen worden krachtig neergezet, waardoor je helemaal opgaat in het verhaal en je veel bijleert over de slavernij in China, borduurkunst, statussymbolen en de sociale structuur.
Kleine Bloem is intelligent, ze heeft doorzettingsvermogen en een visie en behoudt, ondanks vernederingen, wreedheden, letsel en verbrijzelde dromen haar vriendelijkheid, ze probeert haar status te ontstijgen en blijft vechten tegen rampspoed, maar ze moet telkens weer berusten in haar lot. Linjing wordt anders behandeld maar kent haar eigen uitdagingen, ze houdt krampachtig vast aan haar macht, ziet Kleine Bloem als haar enige redding in situaties waarvoor ze doodsbang is, ze zet het geluk en de veiligheid van anderen regelmatig op het spel om haar doel te bereiken en komt pas tot nieuwe inzichten als het eigenlijk al te laat is.
De dynamiek, de onrechtvaardigheid van gebeurtenissen en de onverwachte wendingen creëren een intense historische roman over grote tegenstellingen, onderdrukking, een haast onverwoestbaar systeem, voorspoed en enorme tegenslagen. Een indringend verhaal over moed en hoop, het voeden van je ziel en je telkens moeten aanpassen aan een nieuwe situatie, over de waarde van een vrouw, liefde, druk en het noodlot. Een echte aanrader!
De wisselende perspectieven laten je kennismaken met beide meisjes, met hun overtuigingen, dromen, gevoelens, waarden en angsten en door tijdsprongen volg je deze personages in verschillende levensfasen, waarin ze veel beproevingen moeten doorstaan. Hun relatie, de setting, de geschiedkundige elementen, de tradities en consequenties van de klassenverschillen worden krachtig neergezet, waardoor je helemaal opgaat in het verhaal en je veel bijleert over de slavernij in China, borduurkunst, statussymbolen en de sociale structuur.
Kleine Bloem is intelligent, ze heeft doorzettingsvermogen en een visie en behoudt, ondanks vernederingen, wreedheden, letsel en verbrijzelde dromen haar vriendelijkheid, ze probeert haar status te ontstijgen en blijft vechten tegen rampspoed, maar ze moet telkens weer berusten in haar lot. Linjing wordt anders behandeld maar kent haar eigen uitdagingen, ze houdt krampachtig vast aan haar macht, ziet Kleine Bloem als haar enige redding in situaties waarvoor ze doodsbang is, ze zet het geluk en de veiligheid van anderen regelmatig op het spel om haar doel te bereiken en komt pas tot nieuwe inzichten als het eigenlijk al te laat is.
De dynamiek, de onrechtvaardigheid van gebeurtenissen en de onverwachte wendingen creëren een intense historische roman over grote tegenstellingen, onderdrukking, een haast onverwoestbaar systeem, voorspoed en enorme tegenslagen. Een indringend verhaal over moed en hoop, het voeden van je ziel en je telkens moeten aanpassen aan een nieuwe situatie, over de waarde van een vrouw, liefde, druk en het noodlot. Een echte aanrader!
February 5, 2025
As a young, innocent child, Little Flower is sold off like nothing more than cattle to Linjing’s wealthy, benevolent family, destined to become a muizai, yet in a fit of jealously indeed befitting that of an infant scorned, over her new handmaiden’s ladylike bound feet and such unprecedented talent for wielding the needle to produce such delicate and revered pieces of embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never, ever leave her to ascend in society. She must learn her place to be content beside Linjing and banish any thoughts of ever building a life away from her.
However, despite their differences which could not be more akin to the beauty of day verses the cloak of night, and their very opposing stations in life in the Fong household, as the years pass the two girls find themselves working in tandem to secure both their futures through Linjing’s marriage and as the two grow up, even grow closer, they are in turns tentative friends, bitter rivals, valued confidants, or each others worst enemy…
Scandal strikes and leaves a lasting mark on the family, and Linjing’s and Little Flower’s lives shift leaving both in turmoil and chaos. Linging’s eventual and seismic fall from grace could be the opportunity Little Flower has longed for her entire life under the scrutiny of the Fong family but will their intertwined fates result in neither of them ever recovering, or perhaps they could use it to their advantage and not only save themselves, but each other in the process, yet it won’t be easy as Little Flower knows that to be truly free is to give up the one thing that all her life she has steadfastly believed in.
Flawless storytelling highlighting societal pressure, age-old beliefs, prejudice, and the hardships facing those being judged by outdated traditions and practices.
However, despite their differences which could not be more akin to the beauty of day verses the cloak of night, and their very opposing stations in life in the Fong household, as the years pass the two girls find themselves working in tandem to secure both their futures through Linjing’s marriage and as the two grow up, even grow closer, they are in turns tentative friends, bitter rivals, valued confidants, or each others worst enemy…
Scandal strikes and leaves a lasting mark on the family, and Linjing’s and Little Flower’s lives shift leaving both in turmoil and chaos. Linging’s eventual and seismic fall from grace could be the opportunity Little Flower has longed for her entire life under the scrutiny of the Fong family but will their intertwined fates result in neither of them ever recovering, or perhaps they could use it to their advantage and not only save themselves, but each other in the process, yet it won’t be easy as Little Flower knows that to be truly free is to give up the one thing that all her life she has steadfastly believed in.
Flawless storytelling highlighting societal pressure, age-old beliefs, prejudice, and the hardships facing those being judged by outdated traditions and practices.
January 13, 2025
Historical Fiction • China • Dual POV
Thank you @htphive and @parkrowbooks for the free ARC!
🍵🫖 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙂𝙚𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙖, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙖. 𝘼 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙤𝙛-𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩. 🪷
Told from the perspectives of Linjing, an upper class girl, and her 𝘮𝘶𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘪 and handmaiden. What an pretty-sounding word to mean slave.
I have read 3 books with slave main characters this month. There’s no world from antebellum South, to ancient Mesopotamia, to 1800s China in which it is less evil. Where there is slavery, people will yearn to be free. And escape attempts are universally squashed by the masters with a hand that treats slaves worse than animals.
There are other evils in 1800s China including the class system among the gentile, which pits woman against woman in a multi-tier wife and consort system led by the head of household, the patriarchy. Wives must produce sons, who are most valued as heirs, but if it’s a girl, she must have Golden Lillies. Another sweet sounding word for the barbaric practice of binding feet.
However, I still somehow bristled at the Western woman who sweeps in with her white savior mentality. Talking of progress, modernization, embracing the more evolved religion of Christianity, for whom no barbaric things were ever done...it was really insightful to check my own biases through the book.
The story-telling has depth. I was heartbroken for all that Little Flower endured. I could have never been as forgiving. However, she just may triumph in the end..! You’ll have to read to find out. Impressed by this debut.
TW: Mutilation, Death, Suicide, Torture, Sexism, Classism
Thank you @htphive and @parkrowbooks for the free ARC!
🍵🫖 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙂𝙚𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙖, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙖. 𝘼 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙤𝙛-𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩. 🪷
Told from the perspectives of Linjing, an upper class girl, and her 𝘮𝘶𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘪 and handmaiden. What an pretty-sounding word to mean slave.
I have read 3 books with slave main characters this month. There’s no world from antebellum South, to ancient Mesopotamia, to 1800s China in which it is less evil. Where there is slavery, people will yearn to be free. And escape attempts are universally squashed by the masters with a hand that treats slaves worse than animals.
There are other evils in 1800s China including the class system among the gentile, which pits woman against woman in a multi-tier wife and consort system led by the head of household, the patriarchy. Wives must produce sons, who are most valued as heirs, but if it’s a girl, she must have Golden Lillies. Another sweet sounding word for the barbaric practice of binding feet.
However, I still somehow bristled at the Western woman who sweeps in with her white savior mentality. Talking of progress, modernization, embracing the more evolved religion of Christianity, for whom no barbaric things were ever done...it was really insightful to check my own biases through the book.
The story-telling has depth. I was heartbroken for all that Little Flower endured. I could have never been as forgiving. However, she just may triumph in the end..! You’ll have to read to find out. Impressed by this debut.
TW: Mutilation, Death, Suicide, Torture, Sexism, Classism
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