July 2012
See, Lisa, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (June 20120
Set in 19th century China in a remote province, two seven-year-old girls are matched (almost as in a traditional marriage) as “old sames,” to remain life-long sister friends. This is still in the days of tortuous foot-binding for tiny feet only 7 centimeters long and many, many family and cultural traditions. These two girls, Lily and Snow Flower, share many experiences over a lifetime, some of which are written in a secret women’s language, nu shu, on a delicate fan which is passed back and forth between them. Told from the point of view of Lily, the story weaves through both lives, marriages, children, escape during a rebel uprising against the Chinese government, and sickness. The Chinese traditions are described – good and bad – in charming detail, much of which would be impossible for us to imagine. The poetry from Snow Flower is especially poignant, and her life is not what it appears to be. A delightful read.
No comments:
Post a Comment