Today on Wednesday Reads I am showing you Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
This book takes place in 19th century China and follows Lily is a seven year old who is paired with a laotong an "old same", Snow Flower. While growing up the two girls learn a secret language, women's writing, that they write to each other on a fan so that they can communicate their hopes and dreams to each other away from the influence of men. These two girls become friends and endure many trials in their lives including: foot binding, arrange marriages, and motherhood. But through a misunderstanding, their friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
This is a beautifully written story that transports you to 19th century China. I love learning about different cultures and their histories. It's amazing to see the similarities and difference between all the different cultures. It's amazing to see what women went through with foot binding. The pain and dedication it took.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick read, if you like these types of books. :) It really made me think of women and their roles and how much it has changed in some places and then not so much in others.
This book, though it talks a lot on foot binding and arrange marriages in the beginning, is really about the friendship between Lily and Snow Flower.
There is also a movie now based on this book. There are some changes in the movie of things that didn't happen, but I think they did a decent job of it. You can watch it on Amazon for $2.99 (us).
