Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Back in November, I won a book from Katrina. I didn't know I had actually won the book until the beginning of January because I wasn't signed in (thought I was) when I left the comment. But she and an industrious friend tracked me down. Wasn't that sweet! And then due to a mistake, I actually ended up with two books instead of one. I am finally getting around to reading the first of the two books. It is called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and is written by Lisa See. This book is a New York Times Bestseller and I can see why.

The writing is compelling. The lives of the two main characters are filled with tragedies and a smattering of triumphs. We follow these two young girls from about the age of 6 until the age of 80 for one of them. I cried out when I read of the foot binding process. I had no idea how that actually occured and as I read the description and thought of putting my own 7 year old daughter through that ordeal, I literally gasped.

I enjoyed the history as well. I love nothing better than learning when it is wrapped up in a well written tale. I was struck by the vast differences between the Chinese culture and our own, but I was also struck by the similarities. A life long friend is something every woman longs for. Friends that you can be yourself with, who will comfort you without trying to change you, and who will not hold your confidences against you are a true treasure.

All is not as it seems in this story and there are layers upon layers of secrets. I heartily recommend that you check this book out either by borrowing it from your local library our purchasing it. Either way, I guarantee you will be glad you read it.