Lisa See is one of my very favorite authors. This was a book I didn't want to put down, nor did I want it to end. The story takes place in China in the 19th century. Seven-year-old Lily lives in a very remote village. She is paired with a "laotong", which translates to "old same", a tradition in which the two will remain attached emotionally over a lifetime. Snow Flower is Lily's laotong. She shows Lily a silk fan, on which is written a poem in a very secret language that women used historically to communicate without the knowledge of men. The fan takes on a deep significance in this book. Excellently written - you will feel every emotion.

This is the second most popular book by a woman of color on my shelves and was, until now, the most popular WoC work in my to-read tag. White boy oriental trash Memoirs of a Geisha has around five times the number of ratings of this and around four times that of first place The Color Purple, which should tell you something about how the contemporary reading hegemony on this site likes its women who are not white. Golden even saw fit to overvalue his opinion once more and grace the back cover of this with a blurb about bringing to life an entire culture and sensibilities strikingly different from our own and all that titulated and voyeuristic shit that likes to pretend China's cultural wealth isn't a juggernaut to the US' pebble. Can you imagine someone reviewing American Psycho as bringing to life an entire culture? Frankly, barring the ableist slur, someone should. It'd make a lot more sense and wouldn't have to contend with the strikingly different sensibilities either.

I've given up on a number of television shows espousing accuracy in the realms of historical eras due to their incessant need to sensationalize the truth I came for. It's not like I won't watch anything but super duper realistic realism, given my history with Game of Thrones and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and most recently Outlander. I simply don't want to come for facts and find out halfway through the second season that the directors were making up ritual customs on the spot cause history isn't "interesting" enough in its own right. I'm no expert on China, but you can't read works like The Red Brush and Cinderella's Sisters or authors like Eileen Chang and Wang Anyi and Han Bangqing and so many others beforehand and not come away from this work feeling drowned in manipulative treacle. My favorite part was the last few pages where the author described how she came across the subject/theme of Nüshu (nu shu in the book), because without that I would have had no idea whether she had actually respected the research she had conducted for a profit. I trust her because she's Chinese, but unlike the other works of her people I've encountered, there's no translation ready to pass over simplistic writing, disjointed plot, and wasted narrative potential (lesbians, anyone?).

To put it plainly, I got what I expected. It offered something easy when I wasn't up for tackling Medical Apartheid, and I was able to clear off a book that's been in the oldest 20% of my to-read shelf for far too long. I'm just sad at the idea of the number of people who probably have only this as their lone representative of rightful heritage Chinese literature. Half a Lifelong Romance blows this out of the water, and there's very little for its translation to excuse.

Haciendo énfasis en los ritos religiosos y las tradiciones chinas, así como en las dinámicas entre mujeres, el abanico de seda es una historia que tiene un tono suave, ingenuo, de muchas descripciones, que nos presenta una vez más a esta sociedad que coartaba la libertad de las mujeres enmascarándolas de tradiciones, sacrificando sus vidas por considerarlas insignificantes, y en las que se confiaba solamente en estos círculos femeninos que eran las únicas que podían entender la suerte que les tocaba vivir.

Escucha la reseña completa aquí: https://spoti.fi/2RtykZn

I was a skeptical reader, I have to admit. But despite my reservations, I got swept into the narrative. I really enjoyed how Lily was at a stage where she was reliable and truthful about her realizations. The many differences in culture, thought, and beliefs were portrayed in a respectful manner. It was their way of life, and they believed it to be the right way... however much we may cringe or feel frustrated... it is good to remember that an outsider can readily list the practices that we have, as equally absurd, cruel, or damaging.

The story revolves around Lily and Snow Flower, two girls in rural China who - as seven-year-olds - become laogong, official lifelong best friends.



The girls have their feet bound on the same day (a horrifying practice in which a girl's feet are bound until the bones break and they can be contorted into a small shape), visit on occasion, and frequently write each other on a fan in a language called Nu Shu or women's writing - supposedly unreadable by men.



Nu Shu

As the girls grow up they marry, move to their husbands familial homes, have children, and face the many challenges of being a woman in 19th century China. Traditionally, women in China had no rights. Once their feet were bound girls were mostly confined to a 'woman's room' where they sewed and embroidered and so on, and - once married - were expected to obey their husbands and mothers-in-law and to produce sons.



In Chinese culture it seems wives jobs were to have sons, and this is almost all they were good for. The husbands, on the other hand, could apparently do whatever they liked - take concubines, beat their wives, discard their wives, etc.


Chinese man with concubines

From the first time they meet as children Lily and Snow Flower have a strong emotional bond. They share hopes and dreams and plan to be friends forever. Secrets in Snow Flower's life challenge the friendship but the girls' manage to get past this and maintain their bond.

Eventually Lily makes a fortunate marriage into an influential family with a decent husband while Snow Flower marries into a low family that treats her badly. Lily produces two strong sons while Snow Flower endures difficult pregnancies, miscarriages, and stillbirths - and when she finally has a son - he is a weakling who seems destined to die young. In time both women go on to produce more children, and when they have daughters, plan that the girls will also be laogong.


In China, a woman was expected to produce sons

Through it all - as Snow Flower's difficulties come to weigh heavily on her - Lily is constantly counseling her best friend to behave correctly, be a good wife, obey her husband, placate her mother-in-law, and continue to get pregnant. Events conspire to produce a crisis between the friends where their true feelings are dramatically exposed.



It was interesting to read about the Chinese traditions, lifestyles, and people of the time but the book is slow and meandering and the characters, though well-drawn, were not likable and hard to care about. In addition - for me - the description of how women were treated is hard to stomach. I was also reminded that the devaluation of women continues in China today - where female infants are often killed or discarded. This ensures that many men can't find women to marry. One might speculate that - with the one child policy - the Chinese government should have seen this coming.

For those interested in learning about 19th century China I'd recommend reading a non-fiction book and skipping this one.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/

Community leader and novelist Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan explores the Chinese culture during the early 19th century while conveying the conflict between family ties and love and acceptance. See reveals to the reader the life of the Chinese woman whose obligations were to not only obtain the smallest feet possible, but to serve her family, parents-in-law, and siblings. Throughout the piece, See does an excellent job of portraying Lily and Snow Flower’s daily rituals as they say goodbye to their adolent days in preparation for becoming mature, marriageable Chinese women.

The book begins on the six month of the third year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign in Lily’s hometown village, Yongming County: also known as the county of Everlasting Brightness. Near the beginning of the novel, Lily, due to her beautiful feet, is granted a laotong, Snow Flower. Lily and Snow Flower undergo the process of foot-binding together as they learn “not just the physical trials,” but the “more torturous pain of the heart, mind, and soul,” (See 46) while they realize what it takes to become a marriageable woman. Throughout the novel, the girls endure many trials, such as poverty, intense training, and even starvation as they prepare for marriage. Because of her family’s low social status, Snow Flower does not end up with the family she had dreamed of. Lily is welcomed into a family of wealth and social status; however, she soon realizes that her life, despite its luxuries, is anything but paradise.

See portrays the tragic lifestyle of the typical Chinese woman. She includes vivid and often gruesome descriptions of the process of foot-binding, educating the reader on the high expectations Chinese women were required to uphold during the early 1800s. Snow Flower and Lily’s relationship represents a safe haven. Throughout the novel, Lily and Snow Flower stick together through their trials, reminding themselves that although their lives are not anything near perfect, they have each other, and sometimes that is all humans need. Even in the beginning of the novel Lily explains, “For my entire life I longed for love” (6). Lily, like most of mankind, wants nothing more than to be completely connected with another individual; she yearns for that inseparable bond that humans chase after their entire lives. The girls eventually have a fight; yet, See demonstrates that true love lasts forever. The girls never officially make up, but See still utilizes the last scene with Snow Flower and Lily together to illustrate the strength of such a deep connection. Though Lily makes a irrational judgment about Snow Flower, and although Snow Flower deceives Lily, their love is still stronger. Lily spends the entire novel reflecting back on her mistakes while knowing that although they had a breakthrough, Snow Flower forgives her. In crafting Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa see portrays the human need of love and commitment. Lily and Snow Flower undergo many trials throughout the book, but in the end, their hearts still remain connected, whether or not their minds and bodies agree.

Throughout Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See gives the reader an accurate representation of the duties of a Chinese woman. See does an excellent job with vivid word choice and imagery. The reader cringes during the explanation of foot-binding and empathizes with the women who were brutally beaten by their husbands for being unable to uphold civic duties as a wife. By using such vivid imagery, See evokes emotion and connections with the reader, making the book an easy, quick read. By utilizing Snow Flower and Lily’s friendship, Lisa See illustrates to the audience the significance of love, friendship, and commitment, as sometimes those are the only things available in the midst of trials and tribulations.

"For my entire life I longed for love. I knew it was not right for me – as a girl and later as a woman – to want or expect it, but I did, and this unjustified desire has been at the root of every problem I have experienced in my life."

What a sad yet beautiful book this was! I adore historical fiction that can really immerse me in another time and place and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan did just that. Transported back to 19th century China, I believe I arrived at a better understanding of a woman's position in this society. I learned what it was like to be a daughter, a sister, a wife and a daughter-in-law. I am admittedly grateful for not ever having to experience these often overwhelmingly harsh relationships in the way that these women did! Not for an instant can I imagine having to yearn for my mother's love with the feeling that it was something impossible to attain. And, I most certainly could not fathom bending to my mother-in-law's every command and needing to act as a lowly "visitor" in her home even as the wife of her own son. The cultural practice of footbinding was truly horrific and cringeworthy. If you, like me, decide to google any images, please consider yourself forewarned that it really does look as awful and disfiguring as you would no doubt imagine. Yet, a young girl's future and her marriageability depended heavily on the result of this archaic practice.

The one relationship that I found endearing and one that transcends both time and culture is that of a true friendship. This is so beautifully demonstrated in the bond between the narrator, Lily, and Snow Flower, her "old same". Lisa See really brings to life the nuances of their lifelong friendship which began as little girls with a contract sealing their fates in a laotong relationship. "A laotong match is as significant as a good marriage… A laotong relationship is made by choice for the purpose of emotional companionship and eternal fidelity. A marriage is not made by choice and has only one purpose – to have sons." We see the girls grow up together and experience the joys of childhood friendship – laughing, dreaming, and mourning together. The women's secret form of writing, or nu shu, begins with the communication between the little girls on the folds of a special fan that will provide a chronicle of their extraordinary relationship throughout their lives. As married women, they experience both the happiness and the sorrow of giving birth and living under the heavy thumbs of their husbands and mothers-in-law in households that scorn rather than cherish them. And, as with some friendships, these women experience the differences in social standings within a community and suffer from misunderstandings and ultimate betrayal. Can a friendship really withstand anything?

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the culture of China during this period and those that enjoy reading about the various connections between women. If you've ever had a true friend, this book will truly speak to you and perhaps make you just a tad nostalgic about the carefree days when you could hope and giggle with your own "bestie". 

A story of deep friendship, loss, and redemption. Easy to read and endearing, this book is filled with rich cultural and historical nuance as well as many emotions.

Now I know for a fact that I wrote a review for this one!
I even had discussions with other Goodreaders comparing the book and the movie!
I wondered if there had been a "reset" on Goodreads and this confirms my suspicions.
This was a well-written story, and the movie was equally good. As is usual, there were changes in the movie involving the overall plot and characters, but it was a fairly good adaptation.



The success or failure of your foot binding will impact the class of husband your parents will be able to arrange for you. Tw0 childhood friends - one makes a very advantageous marriage, but her life is devoid of love. The second makes a socially inferior marriage, but despite the hardships, she loves her husband and is loved in return. The descriptions of foot binding practices horrified me. As a fetish, it repulsed me. A fascinating story, and a visually beautiful movie.

3-1/2 Stars

It’s hard to believe some of the customs that were upheld in China in the past. Reading about these traditions through Lily’s perspective was both engrossing and heartbreaking.

The bond between Lily and Snow Flower begins the moment they meet as children and the story follows them through to adulthood. As I’m sure you’ve heard, there is much sadness in this book. It’s a book about Chinese culture as it pertained to women in the nineteenth century but it also explores female relationships at that time — mothers, daughters, sisters, and most of all friendship.

¿Cómo hablar de una novela de la que sabes que recordarás su historia toda la vida?

No me rompía el corazón un libro desde que leí Mil soles espléndidos. Aunque esta historia es quizás más dulce por la forma en la que está contada y aunque nos habla de vidas duras también deja espacio a la luz y a la belleza de la amistad.

China. Dos niñas. Dos estratos sociales diferentes. Almas gemelas unidas por una amistad de por vida. Un abanico compartido. Vendado de pies. Matrimonio. Mundo de mujeres. Mundo de hombres. Pérdidas. Nacimientos. Guerra. Y una gran amistad.

No creo que nunca pueda olvidar a Flor de nieve y a Lirio Blanco, y conmigo se quedan los aprendizajes de vida que tuvieron. He sufrido con ellas, he llorado con ellas, he amado con ellas.

(4,5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Preciosa, tremenda, dura. ¡Me ha encantado!

An Excellent Choice for Book Clubs
t
I had a hard time putting down this book and felt utterly transported to a village in the Hunan province in central south China during the early to mid-nineteenth century. The narrator, 80-year-old Lily, who refers to herself as one who has "yet to die," tells the story of her life. She has outlived her family members and relates the story of her formative years--and her relationship with another woman, Snow Flower. This well written tale is related with clarity, sentiment, and most poignantly, remorse. It's through remorse that the reader comes to know the true character of Lily, as she reflects upon a misunderstanding she had with her one true love.

Beyond the reflection of Lily's relationship with Snow Flower, a girl she meets at the age of six when they are introduced by the local matchmaker and tied by contract to forever be known as "laotongs," or "old sames," this story provides a lesson in Chinese history and culture. Many have heard of the tradition of feet binding, but through Lisa See's writing, one experiences the excruciating pain and the meaning behind a mother's duty to bind her "worthless" daughters' feet. It's all about marriage and, of course, sex. At once I went to the Internet to look for images of bound feet because I had a terribly hard time visualizing a foot only seven centimeters in length.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this story and I highly recommend it. I think it would make an excellent selection for book clubs, given the vast number of elements to spark topics of conversation: Chinese culture--past and present; Mother-daughter relationships; Foot-binding; Arranged marriage; Female relationships; Lesbian relationships (?); Chinese history; Chinese foods; Chinese geography, etc.