nuohsu's review
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
2.0
Shelf name = sufficient review. At least for now. Next book please.
littlesparrowreads's review
5.0
Despite reading this when I was around 19, the storyline has stuck in my mind as clearly as if I'd just finished it, which is a total testament to how beautifully crafted this story is. A fantastic insight into Chinese traditional culture and a the power of female friendships.
noeliamollet's review against another edition
4.0
Lo que decían no es mentira: El abanico de seda es un libro en mayúsculas.
Está exquisitamente narrado y el trabajo de documentación histórica y costumbrista de Lisa See es maravilloso.
La historia de estas dos niñas nos pasea por la realidad histórica de China con ese desdén a la figura femenina de la niña/mujer (donde todas las familias están deseando tener hijos), la tradición de los pies de loto (o pies vendados) para otorgar nivel social y garantizar un buen matrimonio futuro, el nu shu (o escritura secreta de las mujeres) y la figura de la laotong (o alma gemela de una mujer).
No es un libro alegre: es crudo, serio y duro pero a la vez es hermoso... o al menos yo le veo belleza en la forma de narrar la vida de Lirio Blanco, una vida llena de decepción, sacrificio y obediencia.
Es fácil de leer, profundo y a la vez te mantiene deseando saber más.
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído este año.
Está exquisitamente narrado y el trabajo de documentación histórica y costumbrista de Lisa See es maravilloso.
La historia de estas dos niñas nos pasea por la realidad histórica de China con ese desdén a la figura femenina de la niña/mujer (donde todas las familias están deseando tener hijos), la tradición de los pies de loto (o pies vendados) para otorgar nivel social y garantizar un buen matrimonio futuro, el nu shu (o escritura secreta de las mujeres) y la figura de la laotong (o alma gemela de una mujer).
No es un libro alegre: es crudo, serio y duro pero a la vez es hermoso... o al menos yo le veo belleza en la forma de narrar la vida de Lirio Blanco, una vida llena de decepción, sacrificio y obediencia.
Es fácil de leer, profundo y a la vez te mantiene deseando saber más.
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído este año.
gusanadelibros's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
carcarchu's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing tale set in China in the 1800s. The narrator, Lily, is a 'worthless' female who must have her feet bound in order to make her marriageable. Like all gross things, I couldn't look away.
(Catching up on old reviews from pre-blogging and pre-Goodreads days. Written on 7/23/21 but the book was read years ago. I'm working off my notes.)
(Catching up on old reviews from pre-blogging and pre-Goodreads days. Written on 7/23/21 but the book was read years ago. I'm working off my notes.)
jennf4's review
3.0
Library book club. Our group had mixed reactions: some found the topics too difficult to enjoy, others found it more interesting than disturbing.
caslater83's review against another edition
3.0
In the beginning, I thought the book was rather depressing because it was so much information about women's hardships--footbinding, heavy preference for sons, very little attention for daughters (who are worthless). I, personally, could not thrive in this strict culture.
Leaving your home to marry into your husband's family sounds tough! I mean, you've grown up surrounded by the women in your family who have taught you everything they know. You marry and hope for sons. If you have sons, the husband's family will care for you and you will join them permanently. I think what bothers me the most is that there are so many restrictions. There's no sense of freedom in the ability to get out, socialize, and make friends.
The laotong relationship between Lily and Snow Flower sounds very unique. To me, I view it as an arranged "best friend" instead of an arranged marriage. You make the agreement in early childhood to be together and be there for each other for the rest of your lives. It sounds cute, but at the same time, it doesn't sound ideal because people can drift apart over misunderstandings (as what happened in the book) or life's circumstances (also what happened in the book). The sworn sisters mentioned in the book almost sounds like a very distinct sorority group. At least you have more than one person for that. It sounds a little more normal to have a special group of friends.
Would this be a good book club book? YES. Would I want to re-read it again. No. I'm just going to appreciate this experience and thank God that I wasn't born into this culture!
Leaving your home to marry into your husband's family sounds tough! I mean, you've grown up surrounded by the women in your family who have taught you everything they know. You marry and hope for sons. If you have sons, the husband's family will care for you and you will join them permanently. I think what bothers me the most is that there are so many restrictions. There's no sense of freedom in the ability to get out, socialize, and make friends.
The laotong relationship between Lily and Snow Flower sounds very unique. To me, I view it as an arranged "best friend" instead of an arranged marriage. You make the agreement in early childhood to be together and be there for each other for the rest of your lives. It sounds cute, but at the same time, it doesn't sound ideal because people can drift apart over misunderstandings (as what happened in the book) or life's circumstances (also what happened in the book). The sworn sisters mentioned in the book almost sounds like a very distinct sorority group. At least you have more than one person for that. It sounds a little more normal to have a special group of friends.
Would this be a good book club book? YES. Would I want to re-read it again. No. I'm just going to appreciate this experience and thank God that I wasn't born into this culture!