Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

by Lisa See

Sarah's take

I recommend "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" because it beautifully captures the profound bond between women and the complexities of identity within the confines of cultural expectations. If you’re drawn to stories that explore emotional depth and the power of friendship against the backdrop of a richly woven historical tapestry, this book will resonate deeply with you.

About the book

In 19th-century China, Lily and Snow Flower are matched as laotong—bound for life in a friendship deeper than marriage. They communicate through nu shu, women's secret writing, sharing joys and sorrows across decades marked by foot-binding, arranged marriages, and social upheaval. Their intimate bond reveals the hidden world of women's resilience and the complex nature of lifelong devotion.

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