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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

By: Lisa See
Narrated by: Janet Song
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About this listen

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”). 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. 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)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Fiction Marriage Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking China Friendship
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Moving story and insights into of the hierarchy, paternalism and culture of foot-bound Yao women in 19th Century Hunan, China. We learn about the role of women in the women's areas, their toil and devotion to their families, their sisterhood and devotion to one another... Beautifully and movingly written but ultimately non-confrontational about a system of gendered violence that sacrifices the interests of women and girls. Amidst the violence a special bond between two women - "laotongs" "old sames"...

This fascinating story highlights the brutality not only of foot-binding but of unequal social structures, of war and its impact on communities, and on women's solidarity with one another. It draws attention to the development of a unique women's only language - nushu - a beautiful and delicate, but somewhat limited, script used to convey hardship, sorrow and solidarity between women.

Moving, sad, beautifully told.

Enter an oppressed world of supposed beauty

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What did you like most about Snow Flower and the Secret Fan?

A painful yet beautiful story of two friends throughout their lifetime. The perfect narrating voice.

Beautiful story and narration!

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This is a beautiful and intricate story with many fine word illustrations. It can be sentimental at times, relentless at other but also often very fine. And finally it always comes back to what is most important.

A wonderful story

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Loved this book . I listened for hours at a time.
Most poignant moment was the death of Beautiful Moon. Description of the foot binding process was enlightening and gave insight into this ancient ritual. The narrator was not flamboyant but held your attention throughout.

Poignant Read

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I watched the film of the same name last weekend and was so enthralled by it I immediately searched for the audio book and was overjoyed to find it. I have not been disappointed but thrilled that it is different in perspective to the film, My daughter and I watched the film together and both commented on how the film flits from the past to the present constantly, and although this is interesting the past is the story we want more of and to my utter delight that is exactly what the book is. It is only set in the past and is a detailed account of the lives of the two main characters in the book and as such has answered my longing to know more of them, I will not outline the story or give any spoilers away, but just read it, please. It is probably if not definitely more of a woman's story, but it is also an account of historic China and the culture there in that period and is fascinating.

To summarize, it is a beautiful story of amazingly resilient people in a troubled but wondrous land. Just have your tissues handy!

Wonderfully moving historic account.

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