One of the great things about being part of some of the book discussion groups at KCPL is that I always end up with some interesting reading suggestions. I don't remember exactly how we got onto the topic, but we ended up talking about books set in China. Someone mentioned that she thought Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was an excellent book. And after checking it out of the library and devouring it at home, I must agree that it is a very good read.Set in 18th century China, the story is told by Lily, the daughter of a farmer who is made laotong (intimate friends whose lives will always entwine) to Snowflower, a girl of much higher status. They exchange messages by writing nu shu, which is the secret language of chinese women, on the delicate folds of a fan. Brought up to believe that women are worthless unless they produce sons, both girls spend much of their time upstairs in the women's chamber, where they learn how to be good wives and daughter-in-laws. Once they have each been paired to marry, Lily discovers a shocking secret about her "old same". It is the first tiny crack in their devoted friendship. With the many difficulties and pains the women of the time suffered (including a heartbreaking depiction of footbinding), this is not an easy book to read, but I was amazed at the strength and determination of these so called delicate women.
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