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A review by midwifereading
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I genuinely liked it quite a lot, but I wouldn't say I *loved* it. However, it's such a well-written story that 3 stars doesn't cut it.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a window into a culture I am not remotely familiar with, and yet there are universal human truths that I recognize. The struggle between pleasing and helping your family, or throwing it all away isn't something most of us in the U.S. have to worry about. Especially in the 21st century. Yet, the struggle to be SEEN is still very familiar. It hits close to home.
Most of all, the misunderstanding between lifelong friends connects like a solid right hook. These friends are akin to what Anne Shirley means when she calls Diana her "bosom friend." This friendship is serious. And it all falls apart over a single sentence. 💔
The resolution comes too late in some ways, and is a reminder never to take for granted that you know anyone's intentions without asking them.
I want to read it again at some point. Beautiful book.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a window into a culture I am not remotely familiar with, and yet there are universal human truths that I recognize. The struggle between pleasing and helping your family, or throwing it all away isn't something most of us in the U.S. have to worry about. Especially in the 21st century. Yet, the struggle to be SEEN is still very familiar. It hits close to home.
Most of all, the misunderstanding between lifelong friends connects like a solid right hook. These friends are akin to what Anne Shirley means when she calls Diana her "bosom friend." This friendship is serious. And it all falls apart over a single sentence. 💔
The resolution comes too late in some ways, and is a reminder never to take for granted that you know anyone's intentions without asking them.
I want to read it again at some point. Beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Domestic abuse
There are detailed descriptions of foot binding, and the physical and emotional toll it takes on the girls. One young girl dies from sepsis as a direct result.