The Lotus Shoes

De: Jane Yang

Narrado por: Catherine Ho, Katharine Chin

"Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time." —Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?

Outstanding

The life I read about was outstanding and amazing. I loved learning about it. I give it two thumbs up!!

Great Book!

Narration is well done and the story keeps you entertained and interested. I think it was with the credit.

Such a good story

Such a good story. I started the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the story was going to go one way, when all of a sudden it took a turn and for the benefit of keeping the reader's attention. I have to say it was beautifully written and would keep the reader's attention throughout trying to determine what would happen. Never did I think it would become a love story, but in the end it was. I have to say it was very good!

Character growth and historical research

I really enjoyed Little Flower ‘s journey as a listener; crying along with her, being angry along with her when cruel things were done to her, and happy along with her when when she found ways to overcome obstacles and found love. Well written and felt I was back in time.

The bravery of Little Flower

loved the story line from beginning to end. A must read. I was captivated through the entire reading

very good until the end

This story is intriguing and very well written. Characters are well developed, plot is interesting and unique, performance is good. I enjoyed the book until the ending, which was weak, inadequately explained and unsatisfying. However, the book is worth buying and reading.

The interactions between the two girls.

I liked the immersion into a different culture in a different place and time. Very interesting but glad I don’t live in that culture. It was so repressive of women. Unfortunately, that repression of women continues in many ways and places even till today.

I didn't want it to end

I enjoyed this historical fiction and learned quite a lot about this culture and time period as I have always been fascinated by the foot binding era. Beautifully written.

Feminism in China

Well written, a part of China history not always discussed. Use of explicit dialog characteristic of the times.

I bought it on a daily deal

I wasn’t sure I would like it, as is not my usual genre, but I finished it at 3am much past my usual hour of sleep!! The story was ghastly, intriguing, heartbreaking and showed how contradictory humans are, that some people can change and that introspection is so important to determine who we are and who we want to be. I truly hope much of this is historical and documented practices are no longer. Is actually worth a credit!!