| Snow Flower and the Secret Fan |  | Author: Lisa See
Publisher: Topeka Bindery
Category: Book
Buy New: $24.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  604 reviews
Media: Library Binding
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 269
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.3 x 0.8
ISBN: 1417774339
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9781417774333
ASIN: 1417774339
Publication Date: February 21, 2006
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
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Availability: Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks
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Product Description
Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness.
In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.
With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.
From the Hardcover edition.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 599 more reviews...
 Disappointing November 8, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was hoping this book would be like an Amy Tan book. I had a hard time getting through it though. I was disappointed. It's not that good.
 Snowflower and the Secret Fan October 30, 2008
This book was very interesting and a real eye opener on ancient Chinese culture. It brought about a lot of great discussion at my book club.
I received this book later than usual. It was mailed on October 10th, but was not delivered until October 21st.
SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN October 28, 2008
I HAVE PURCHASED 2 OTHERS FOR FRIENDS, THIS IS A GREAT BOOK. LISA SEE IS AN INCREDIBLE WRITER, I AM ON HER 3RD BOOK NOW, I HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS BOOK FIRST.
THANK YOU
Phenomenal Women Book Club (Houston, TX) October 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was a wonderful, loving, and tragic story of friendship and betrayal that teaches the reader much about compassion and forgiveness. We felt that Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was a book that truly transcended time and culture. This plot, with two women at its center, encompasses the hurt, pain, anguish, and undying compassion two women felt for each other. The author's ability to paint `true and clear' pictures of her characters allows you to see into their soul; thus developing a deeper understanding of both the men and women portrayed in the book.
This is a memorable piece that allows you to experience feelings that you have faced either through your own life or the life of a loved one. After reading it, many of us were forced to rethink the experiences we've had in the 20th century and how they are reminiscent of the events shown in the book: dishonesty, betrayal, a desire to survive, illness. All of these ultimately ending up with a common denominator of devotion and forgiveness.
Many of us cried as we completed the book because we came to the realization that this would not be a happily ever after tale. "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" was a great story with twists and turns you might not anticipate. Through this book many can better understand how far women have come since the days of foot binding; it also shows us how far we have not come from sharing a sisterhood of secrets, compassion, betrayal, and unconditional love as sisters. This was an excellent story and we highly recommend it.
 chinese culture insight October 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My readining group discussed "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and the consensus was overwhelmingly positive. However I recently read another novel steeped in Chinese Culture which rivals "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and actually surpasses the breadth of Chinese cultural insight. "Rabbit in the Moon" by Deborah and Joel Shlian, both physicians, offers the reader an in depth look at Chinese culture in the guise of a medical thriller. Quite extraordinary. I recomment both these insightful books.
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