One Sentence Summary:
A story of friendship and betrayal between two women in 19th century China, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan follows the lives of Lily and Snow Flower as they navigate social customs and cultural expectations through the tradition of nu shu writing.
Book Genre:
- Historical Fiction
Main Topic of the Book:
- Female friendships and the practice of nu shu writing in 19th century China
- Social customs and cultural expectations for women during this time period
Key Ideas:
- Female relationships and the power of friendship
- The influence of societal expectations and traditions on women’s lives
- The practice of nu shu and its significance in Chinese culture
- The impact of betrayal and forgiveness on individuals and friendships
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is divided into four parts, each following the lives of the main character, Lily.
- Part One: Childhood and Betrothal
- Part Two: Lilies of the Field
- Part Three: The Auspicious Pleasure of Forgotten Days
- Part Four: The Guilty Pleasures of a Lifetime
The first part of the book introduces the readers to Lily and her childhood in 19th century China. It explores the traditions and customs of this time period, such as foot-binding and arranged marriages, as well as the practice of nu shu writing. Lily is betrothed to a boy named Lu Ling, and her destiny seems to be set in stone. However, she also meets a young girl, Snow Flower, who becomes her laotong (old same), a lifelong friend and companion.
This section follows Lily and Snow Flower as they grow up together and navigate the expectations and duties of women in their society. Through nu shu writing, they share their thoughts and feelings, creating a bond that goes beyond their social positions. Lily struggles with her role as a woman, while Snow Flower seems to excel at everything she does, causing tension and jealousy between the two friends.
As Lily and Snow Flower enter in their marriages and become mothers, their friendship is tested by betrayal and secrets. Lily’s circumstances change drastically as she is wed into a wealthy family, while Snow Flower faces hardships and struggles to survive. The nu shu language and writing become essential in keeping their connection alive, even as their lives take different paths.
In the final part, Lily is an elderly woman reflecting on her life, including her friendship with Snow Flower. She shares the truth about the betrayal that caused a rift between them and their eventual reconciliation. This section also delves deeper into the practice of nu shu writing and its importance in Chinese culture.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of female friendships and the importance of supporting and understanding one another
- The impact of societal expectations and traditions on women’s lives and relationships
- The significance of the nu shu practice and its role in preserving women’s stories and feelings
- The impact of forgiveness and understanding in repairing broken relationships
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Lisa See is an American writer of Chinese heritage, born in 1955 in Paris, France. She spent much of her childhood in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, which sparked her interest in Chinese culture and history. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where she studied world religions. See has written several other bestselling books, including On Gold Mountain and China Dolls. Her family’s history and her own background inspired her to write Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Target Audience:
This book will appeal to readers of historical fiction, particularly those interested in Chinese culture and traditions. It also appeals to those interested in relationships, especially female friendships. Additionally, readers who enjoy stories with themes of forgiveness, betrayal, and resilience will appreciate this novel.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was published by Random House on February 21, 2006.