A review by crystaldragonst
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

challenging reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Picked up this book on a whim in a bookstore last year and finally got around to reading it. The book is well written with an easy to read style. The historical setting of 1800s China was interesting and lent a vibrant backdrop for the focus of the story which is of Lily (mc) and her relationships with others and finding her place as a woman.

Warning: there is a pretty graphic description of footbinding early on in the book. I knew about footbinding but the book describes the process in detail and I honestly felt sick reading that part. I think it’s important because that is something that happened in real life and Lily’s character is shaped by this event pretty strongly. But just be aware.

Overall, I cried at the end of the book. It was sad, reflective, beautiful. A good reminder to examine your relationships and not take everything at face value.
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