num_pages: 288
description: In nineteenth-century China in a remote Hunan county a girl named Lily at the tender age of seven is paired with a laotong old same in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong Snow Flower introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which shes painted a poem in nu shu a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret away from the influence of men.As the years pass Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans compose stories on handkerchiefs reaching out of isolation to share their hopes dreams and accomplishments. Together they endure the agony of foot-binding and reflect upon their arranged marriages shared loneliness and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
language: English
title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
publisher: Random House