Snow Flower and the Secret Fan in The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List

Aug 13, 2013 Cheryl rated it really liked it

Shelves: hf-phd, october-november-challenge

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a fascinating story mostly for the cultural information it gives pertaining to the gender roles and expectations of women in China before the Cultural Revolution under Mao. I learned a lot about foot binding and how it was done and why. This is another demonstration of a culture of women viewed more as property than as human beings. In fact, even the women talk about themselves as worthless and less than nothing. The value is only upon sons. Lily and Snow Flower ...more

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Jul 14, 2008 Tara Lynn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: booklist-for-2008, personal-favorites

I've always loved early Chinese culture, and adore many of the more popular "current" novels. (The Good Earth Trilogy, Amy Tan's books,) but I've just discovered Lisa See, and I have to say that her books are phenomenal. I
ve been doing a lot of in depth study on the practice of footbinding, and it's development as a perception of beauty in Chinese tradition. You can actually find current photos of footbound women, since the practice continued despite government protest, in the mountainous region ...more

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May 07, 2009 Brenda rated it liked it

I had a hard time reviewing this book. It was either 2 of 3 stars. I really liked the writing style and learning about the Chinese culture. The traditions, festivals, customs, etc. were all very interesting because it is all so foreign to me. Overall I did really enjoy this book though towards the end it seemed to drag a little. However, there was a VERY uncomfortable scene near the front of the book between the two girls involving self discovery that is referenced throughout the book. There is ...more

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