Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by
Lisa See
Living in nineteenth-century China, Lily and Snow Flower are
laotongs, or "old sames", meaning they are part of an arranged
friendship meant to last throughout their whole lives. They communicate using a secret
language for Chinese women, written on a silk fan which they send back and
forth to each other.
My love for historical fiction is usually limited to
British, and sometimes American, stories, and I am so glad I stepped out of
that box for this book. Though there are a few graphic scenes, such as the foot
binding ritual, this is an amazing story of the friendship, love, and forgiveness between these two girls
as they grow into women.
I give this one an A.
If you enjoyed this book, try the sequel Peony in Love.
