Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Janet Song

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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 19th-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.

©2005 Lisa See (P)2005 Books on Tape Inc.

Critic reviews

"Engrossing....Both a suspenseful and poignant story and an absorbing historical chronicle." (Publishers Weekly)

a love story

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a story of a very special relationship that begins between two young chinese girls when they are seven years old. This relationship continues throughout their lives and is documented by words written on a fan. The story is a good one and is set in the historical context of 19th century china, a time when a young girl's feet are bound at age six, and she must forever walk on feet no larger than a thumb. Crippled, she rarely leaves her home, spending most of her life in an upstairs room shared with other women in her family. She grows up understanding that her only value is in her ability to bear sons for her husband's family. The story follows the lives of both women whose lives take different paths. A good listen, beautifully narrated.

friendship

a story of the enduring love between 2 women and how powerful and essential that relationship is for all women

great story teller

I really liked the book, have become a big fan of Lisa See. her books are captivating, and she really paints the picture for you, and I have learned alot about Chinese culture . this is the 3rd book I've read by her...would recommend them all.

Beautifully Written and Narrated

Was immediately gripped by this book and could not stop listening. The characters really came to life . The most memorable part for me was when beautiful moon died from the bee sting. The entire book had me hanging on every detail and event. really enjoyed listening instead of reading.

Beautiful but so sad

Would you try another book from Lisa See and/or Janet Song?

I love both the author and the narrator

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story was what it was, that's what makes it so sad

What about Janet Song’s performance did you like?

Janet Song's gives the story an authentic feel

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Interesting

Very interesting story about this time period.I didn't love this story but I did find it a very interesting listen.

Loved it!

A window into the culture of 1700's China and the importance of relationships between women. This book is captivating to the last page, a testament to good writing.

An Absolute Delight!

This book offers an excellent inside look at the class and gender discrimination that pervaded the era. The author did a lovely job of weaving the relationship of the girls into an intimate and heartwrenching story. Some might say that this book is "women's work" and would not be enjoyed by men, but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it as it passed the time on our daily commute.

Best Friends Living Through Tough Times

If you could sum up Snow Flower and the Secret Fan in three words, what would they be?

Foot binding sucks

Any additional comments?

I learned a lot about the ancient Chinese tradition of foot binding and how hard it is to get around afterward.

Beautiful story!

I love not only the story itself, but the glimpse into history that this book brings.
The performance is great as it makes you feel their emotions and feelings.
I highly recommend this book.