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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 China Friendship
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This is a wonderful looking into Chinese women’s history and the relationships between women. So loved it but very sad and disturbing too.

Lovely but gruelling story.

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I greatly enjoyed this insight into an ancient world of arranged marriages, secret women’s business, the world of the inner chamber, bound feet and the Taiping Rebellion. The way the story unfolds through an organised relationship between two young girls sheds light on the expectations of those women. The lives they each forged for within the constraints of a very ordered and patriarchal society creates a compelling story. Arranged marriages led some women into dreadfully abusive situations and others into great privilege. Nevertheless privilege comes at a price. The main character faces many sorrowful situations in spite of her wealth and fortune. I became very involved with this story. It gave me a great deal to think about. In our modern Western world we grew up shunning all rules and regulations. However this anarchy also does not guarantee joy! Many people feel directionless and their circumstances are often dependent on luck. Solid parenting is essential in this era - just as it was in ancient China. We do not have a road map but need to teach children how to make choices from an early age. Their direction is not spelled out from birth. However society is changing faster than we can learn to fit into it so the task of sound parenting is becoming increasingly hard. into great privilege. Nevertheless privilege comes at a price. The main character faces many sorrowful situations in spite of her wealth and fortune. I became very involved with this story. It gave me a great deal to think about. In the modern West we grew up shunning all rules and regulations on our lives. However this anarchy also does not guarantee joy! Many people feel directionless - solid guiding parenting is essential in this era where the society is changing faster than we can learn to fit into it!!!

Deep relationships

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cannot praise this story enough it's the kind that really stays with you long after hearing it.A beautiful story of love and it enduring all things.In parts it was very hard to listen to in particular the detailed description of the foot binding but at the same time it's important to remember that these things happened for a long time,it was part of their history and culture.The narration was excellent very convincing I was never once bored.want to say more but don't want to spoil the listeners I highly recommend this and will listen to it again and again

loved it

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Wonderfully written and enjoyed historical facts about 18 th century China . Loved the characters and content of the book

Super step back in time

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I enjoyed this story. Setting up visions of poor families in ancient China could be a hard task, however Lisa See does a wonderful job of it.
The lives of two Chinese women is told with understanding and imagination. I listened intently as their lives unraveled into a journey of joy and sadness, bitterness and betrayal.
Janet Song delivers a fine performance and I would listen to more of these stories. I believe See and Song do just that. Lisa "sees" the vision and Janet " sings" it. A perfect combination.

Snow Flower and Lady Lou. What a life

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The lives of these women is difficult and yet their story is hopeful. I was enchanted by the rich story telling in this book. Beautifully written and beautifully read.

A beautiful telling of a friendship and adversity.

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I just loved the theme of the story and the narrators execution of the story

great book

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I really enjoyed this offering by Lisa See. The story was well written and the charachters well developed. I didnt necessarily like all of the characters, though I think that's what makes them more real. For anyone interested in or who has travelled to China, the story gives the reader a great look into China in the 1800's and helps develop understanding of China today. I would definately recommed this listen.

Great Story With Historical Element

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a moving story with interesting historical and cultural expression.
Very well read.
powerful contextual setting
well researched

the power of women who appear to have none

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