This novel takes place in China during the 1850’s, but life was so primitive there, especially for women, that it could have taken place in the 1300’s.
Snow Flower, and the narrator Lily, are both 7-year-old when they first meet. They become “laotong”, life long companions and intimate friends for the rest of their lives. The secret fan of the title refers to a fan with “nu shu” on it. Nu shu is a secret code of phonetic writing for women. Snow Flower teaches Lily how to become adept in this writing. The fan passes back and forth between the two girls through their adolescence and beyond, telling of their lives and circumstances.
I had a difficult time reading about the custom of foot binding, but the author’s research into local customs and ceremonies made fascinating reading. Life in the primitive villages wasn’t easy for anyone, but it seemed especially difficult for women.
An interesting look into a time I knew nothing about.
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