Product Description
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, an “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s written a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on the fan and compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together they endure the agony of footbinding and reflect upon their arranged marriages, their loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace in their friendship, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their relationship suddenly threatens to tear apart.Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a captivating journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. Now in a deluxe paperback edition complete with an expanded Random House Reader’s Circle guide and an exclusive conversation between Lisa See and her mother, fellow writer Carolyn See, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel is, as the Seattle Times says, “a beautifully drawn portrait of female friendship and power.”

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 676 reviews)

Snow Flower by Lindsay Ann

5 Stars
November 08, 2009
I won't go into details, i'm sure you've read all of the other reviews. I personally loved this book. It was both saddening and beautiful. Definetly pick this up!

Need Tea Reviews by Krystle Yanagihara (Honolulu, HI)

5 Stars
November 01, 2009
This book has left me speechless. Lisa See's prose is a beautiful lyrical dance that takes you through the emotional highs and despairing lows of the two characters' lives. I loved her writing and was amazed at the depth of research that she did for this book. It was intertwined with expert care into the story and I could feel the great steps she took to make sure everything was presented in the proper light. I could feel the pain and agony Lily went through when she was forced to undergo her footbinding (which, might I state, is absolutely horrid and I'm plenty thankful they've outlawed it), and the grief she faces from family death and other tragedies. I loved the imagery and traditional metaphors the two girls used in their letters and writings to one another. I could see how their friendship grew and developed as the two characters themselves became mature women. Prepare yourself because you'll definitely cry. My heart broke when I came to ending and the epiphany Lily had made because of her mistake. This was an excellent book that showcased not only China's traditional customs and culture, but was a beautiful example on the depth of friendships and love.

fascinating by slynn (Iowa)

5 Stars
October 28, 2009
I read this book a few years ago. I learned a great deal about the life of women in China at the time of the book's setting. Although the women's roles were strictly defined and great distances separated them, many found a clever, secret way to maintain friendships. From the specifics of foot binding to the women's private quarters to secret fans, there are all kinds of fascinating revelations within this story.

Yes! by Loreanne (USA)

5 Stars
October 21, 2009
This is one of those books that touches the reader's soul, the kind of book you feel better for having read. I don't read books more than once but this book is different. It is my favorite book and it's a gift I've given at least five times since I've read it, and recommended many more times. Lisa See is an excellent writer, not just an excellent author. When I read this for the first time, I had just graduated college with a degree in creative writing and it was a relief to read a book that didn't distract me with poorly written sentences or overused jargon. While it may not be a "happy" story, it is a fulfilling one because you feel like you've been a part of a real woman's history. Beautiful. I love this book!

A Special Novel by M. E. Palmeri (Saddle River, NJ United States)

5 Stars
October 16, 2009
Lisa See has created a special vehicle for readers to appreciate the customs and culture of China, in days gone by. For students of Feng Shui, the author has woven the elements of the art, throughout the novel...pulling us along to reveal and teach. The characters are endearing and their stories are full of life...with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, surprises both good and beyond bad. This novel is special and the story will remain in my Heart, reminding me that there is always 2 sides to every perception!

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