Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
28 journalers for this copy...
Paperback edition with 340 pages.
Form its cover: Lily is the daughter if a humble farmer, and to her family she is just another expensive mouth to feed. Then the local matchmaker delivers startling news: if Lily's feet are bound properly, they will be flawless. In nineteenth-century China, where a woman's eligibility is judged by the shape and size of her feet, this is extraoridnary good luck. Lily now has the power to make a good marriage and change the fortunes of her family. To prepare for her new life, she must undergo the agonies of footbinding, learn nu shu, the famed secret women's writing, and make a very special friend, Snow Flower. But a bitter reversal of fortune is about to change everything.
My Note: I couldn't put it down. I just read and read on, where I had a chance to be lost in it. The novel is finished, but its message just starts to reach me. By means of it I could catch a glance at my life. I am thinking of the characters, their life, their feelings and the connection between us. I live in a totally different time, place and circumstances, but somehow still there are analogies. The frame can be different, but the content is the same, humans filled with feelings, emotions. This language independent of society, policy, religion, everybody knows it. The question is that whether we are brave enough to overcome our frames and look beyond them to notice the similiraties among ourselves and others. How many times do we say "if I were you I do this" or "you should do that"? Can we see at all the other person? Throughout our own feelings it is impossible to pay attentien to the other person's situation, difficulties, feelings. In order to help effectively we must put away our solutions, responds to the world, instead we just listen to our fellow's speaking, the used words, the expressed feelings, and the deeply buried emotions which show us our mate in reality.
It is a Heart-rending, Painful book which is so Captivating, Powerful, it is simply Beautiful.
It was a ring book between:
Started: 2009. May
Finished: 2011. October
Read and passed on:
PepeLePew (Bos-Her), 2. Benschu (GER), 3. Hayes13 (ITA), 4. Tsjara (NED), 5. BokOrm09 (GBR), 6. voveryte (GBR), 7. waderwoman (GBR), 8. grovalskii (GER), 9. dutch-book (NED), 10. laure69 (FRA) , 11. Kiki66 (GER), 12. kalise (AUT), 13. elstaplador (UK), 14. Lemon-Crisis (UK), 15. TiffanyAching (UK) 16. Sardonyx (UK), 17. salvami (IRE), 18. frutz (FRA), 19. 2012 (FIN), 20. kirstykat (UK), 21. Duskdreamer (UK), 22. Libera13 (POR), 23. 727 (LAT), 24. Lizzy-stardust (UK), 25. teggers (UK), 26. VictoriaWagtail (SWE), 27. marijketje (NED)
Well done!!
I am so happy, this was a long travel!!
** Thank You!! :) **
---<<--{@
Form its cover: Lily is the daughter if a humble farmer, and to her family she is just another expensive mouth to feed. Then the local matchmaker delivers startling news: if Lily's feet are bound properly, they will be flawless. In nineteenth-century China, where a woman's eligibility is judged by the shape and size of her feet, this is extraoridnary good luck. Lily now has the power to make a good marriage and change the fortunes of her family. To prepare for her new life, she must undergo the agonies of footbinding, learn nu shu, the famed secret women's writing, and make a very special friend, Snow Flower. But a bitter reversal of fortune is about to change everything.
My Note: I couldn't put it down. I just read and read on, where I had a chance to be lost in it. The novel is finished, but its message just starts to reach me. By means of it I could catch a glance at my life. I am thinking of the characters, their life, their feelings and the connection between us. I live in a totally different time, place and circumstances, but somehow still there are analogies. The frame can be different, but the content is the same, humans filled with feelings, emotions. This language independent of society, policy, religion, everybody knows it. The question is that whether we are brave enough to overcome our frames and look beyond them to notice the similiraties among ourselves and others. How many times do we say "if I were you I do this" or "you should do that"? Can we see at all the other person? Throughout our own feelings it is impossible to pay attentien to the other person's situation, difficulties, feelings. In order to help effectively we must put away our solutions, responds to the world, instead we just listen to our fellow's speaking, the used words, the expressed feelings, and the deeply buried emotions which show us our mate in reality.
It is a Heart-rending, Painful book which is so Captivating, Powerful, it is simply Beautiful.
Started: 2009. May
Finished: 2011. October
Read and passed on:
PepeLePew (Bos-Her), 2. Benschu (GER), 3. Hayes13 (ITA), 4. Tsjara (NED), 5. BokOrm09 (GBR), 6. voveryte (GBR), 7. waderwoman (GBR), 8. grovalskii (GER), 9. dutch-book (NED), 10. laure69 (FRA) , 11. Kiki66 (GER), 12. kalise (AUT), 13. elstaplador (UK), 14. Lemon-Crisis (UK), 15. TiffanyAching (UK) 16. Sardonyx (UK), 17. salvami (IRE), 18. frutz (FRA), 19. 2012 (FIN), 20. kirstykat (UK), 21. Duskdreamer (UK), 22. Libera13 (POR), 23. 727 (LAT), 24. Lizzy-stardust (UK), 25. teggers (UK), 26. VictoriaWagtail (SWE), 27. marijketje (NED)
Well done!!
I am so happy, this was a long travel!!
** Thank You!! :) **
---<<--{@
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The ring starts! Have a nice reading all of you!
It goes by airmail. :)
The ring starts! Have a nice reading all of you!
It goes by airmail. :)
Arrived safely today. Thank you, hakkalina, for sharing this book, I can't wait to read it and also thank you for the beautiful bookmark and stickers, they're gorgeous :)
I'll start reading this book as soon as I'm done with the "Runemarks" :) Thanks again.
I'll start reading this book as soon as I'm done with the "Runemarks" :) Thanks again.
I've read quite a lot of books about Chinese women and this one was definitely one of the best. The author has a wonderful easy way of writing, even when she writes about serious things. I enjoyed this book very much, although it made me sad in certain parts. Even though it's about Chinese women in the 19th century, it is still very easy to connect with the characters and understand their stories. Really wonderful experience :)
I already have Benschu's address and this book will be in the mail soon.
I already have Benschu's address and this book will be in the mail soon.
Released 14 yrs ago (6/1/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to benschu. Hope it gets there safely :)
Mailed to benschu. Hope it gets there safely :)
Thanks for sending.
2.8.
The book is amazing, I liked it very much.
2.8.
The book is amazing, I liked it very much.
Journal Entry 7 by benschu at -- via posta o passaggio a mano --, Lazio Italy on Monday, August 3, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (8/4/2009 UTC) at -- via posta o passaggio a mano --, Lazio Italy
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book keeps travelling to Italy
The book keeps travelling to Italy
Wow!! That was fast!! Thank you for sending the book and thank you for the nice note. My son will have to play the music for me! I'm glad you liked it... everyone I know who has read it loved it, so I am looking forward to it very much.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Just loved this story and went racing through it!
Two Girls in 19th Century China, linked by a written friendship contract, face the traumas of footbinding, arranged marriages, obeying everyone (especially husbands and mothers-in-law), disease, war and starvation, and paint a record of the events in their lives on a beautiful fan.
Off it goes to the Netherlands! Enjoy it!!
Just loved this story and went racing through it!
Two Girls in 19th Century China, linked by a written friendship contract, face the traumas of footbinding, arranged marriages, obeying everyone (especially husbands and mothers-in-law), disease, war and starvation, and paint a record of the events in their lives on a beautiful fan.
Off it goes to the Netherlands! Enjoy it!!
The book arrived here safely today, which was a lot quicker than I expected :) Thank you Hayes for sending it on and for the beautiful postcard! Looking forward to read it :)
Thank you for organising this ring Hakkalina (and for the other one I am reading right now, Finn Family Moomintroll)!
Thank you for organising this ring Hakkalina (and for the other one I am reading right now, Finn Family Moomintroll)!
I really enjoyed reading this story, even though it was sad sometimes (and the part about the footbinding made feel a bit queasy). I found it quite interesting to read about the lives of women in China in the 19th century. The author has a nice writing style, which reads easily, though I sometimes felt she was repeating herself a bit (about the duty of women etc.)..
Already have BokOrm09's address, will probably sent it out tomorrow.
Already have BokOrm09's address, will probably sent it out tomorrow.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Now on it's way to BokOrm09.
Happy reading!
Now on it's way to BokOrm09.
Happy reading!
Arrived safe and sound in this morning's post, and I've already started reading it. Thanks to Tsjara for sending it on so quickly and to Hakkalina for organising this ring.
Journal Entry 14 by BokOrm09 at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Monday, September 28, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (9/28/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I found this book a really interesting and enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very well researched. The description of the agonies endured due to the footbinding process is quite horrific, but demonstrates what was expected of young girls in order to secure the right future for themselves.
Now on its way to Voveryte. Hope you enjoy the book :)
I found this book a really interesting and enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very well researched. The description of the agonies endured due to the footbinding process is quite horrific, but demonstrates what was expected of young girls in order to secure the right future for themselves.
Now on its way to Voveryte. Hope you enjoy the book :)
Journal Entry 15 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, October 3, 2009
Received today! Really looking forward!
Journal Entry 16 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, November 8, 2009
Amazing! Very beautiful read and even jaw dropping at times. It delivers much more that tradions of embroidery, nu shu or foot-binding. The connections between people are very well reflected and quite authentic.
On the other hand it's just a journey of woman through life and characters are uncomplicated, but the historic details are so well woven in.
Thanks hakkalina for organising the ring and all other readers for making the book reach to me.
Will be posted to waderwoman tomorrow.
On the other hand it's just a journey of woman through life and characters are uncomplicated, but the historic details are so well woven in.
Thanks hakkalina for organising the ring and all other readers for making the book reach to me.
Will be posted to waderwoman tomorrow.
Ooh lovely! This arrived today- I am nearly finished with my present read so shall get onto this next!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book- what an incredible insight into 19th century China.
I await to see where Im to send this onto next- whoever it is has a real treat in store for them with this gem of a book!
Thanks for sharing Hakkalina
I await to see where Im to send this onto next- whoever it is has a real treat in store for them with this gem of a book!
Thanks for sharing Hakkalina
Journal Entry 19 by waderwoman at -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/10/2009 UTC) at -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Berlin Germany
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
As Contraforsa didnt respond to my pm, Hakkalina asked me to send this in to Grovalskii.
I am popping this in the poat so hopefully it won't get stuck in the Christmas post.
Safe journey little book!
#6 Xmas Release
Colour release for NOVEMBER
And Name release
As Contraforsa didnt respond to my pm, Hakkalina asked me to send this in to Grovalskii.
I am popping this in the poat so hopefully it won't get stuck in the Christmas post.
Safe journey little book!
#6 Xmas Release
Colour release for NOVEMBER
And Name release
just got the book today. Will read it over the holidays.
Loved the book! Very interesting subject plus very well written. Really enjoyed reading it.
Will send the book on to dutch-book tomorrow.
Will send the book on to dutch-book tomorrow.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sending this book on to the Netherlands.
Sending this book on to the Netherlands.
Journal Entry 23 by 
dutch-book
from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Monday, February 22, 2010
dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Monday, February 22, 2010
There it is!
Journal Entry 24 by dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Thursday, April 1, 2010
dutch-book from Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Thursday, April 1, 2010
I finished this one in one day. And it was an amazing read, awesome! You think this will be very harsh, but instead it also shows you the positive sides of the lifes these people experience. They all try to see the positive sides of life. Exraordinary women, I say. Anyway it is an experience that is quite difficult to explain, you'll have to read for yourself. The writing was very smooth, even if your mother tongue isn't English, it is just so easy to read!
I'll PM elviraro and then this book will be on it's way next week.
I'll PM elviraro and then this book will be on it's way next week.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Elviraro asked to be skipped, so instead I just sent it on to laure69.
Elviraro asked to be skipped, so instead I just sent it on to laure69.
The book arrived yesterday. Thank you.
I had already read books about life in China but never that detailed and I found this very interesting. Oops it wasn't good being a woman in those time and place. I'm not sure it was such a good time when all the generations of a family used to live together. It's terrifying to see your friend where chosen for you just because they were born the same day and you had to sign a life friendship contract at age seven.
So I'm not sure whether I liked the two main characters or not. The context is so different and strange.
The book is leaving tomorrow for kiki66.
So I'm not sure whether I liked the two main characters or not. The context is so different and strange.
The book is leaving tomorrow for kiki66.
..and here it is...
After these enthusiastic entries I am really looking forward to reading this one!!
After these enthusiastic entries I am really looking forward to reading this one!!
I finished reading this book yesterday... and I really liked it. Even though it made me sad
most of the time. It is unbelievable how Chinese women were treated in these days. I didn't know
the exact 'art' of foot binding and I have to admit it made me sick to read about it !!
The author has a way of writing which made me feel as if she actually were there and saw it all..
Great but depressing book!
Will send it on as soon as I have the next address... --> Edit to say: it seems as if elviraro isn't a member of BC anylonger.. that's at least how I understand her shelf..
So I asked kalise for her address.. hope my pm gets through due to all this hiccups here at the moment..
most of the time. It is unbelievable how Chinese women were treated in these days. I didn't know
the exact 'art' of foot binding and I have to admit it made me sick to read about it !!
The author has a way of writing which made me feel as if she actually were there and saw it all..
Great but depressing book!
Will send it on as soon as I have the next address... --> Edit to say: it seems as if elviraro isn't a member of BC anylonger.. that's at least how I understand her shelf..
So I asked kalise for her address.. hope my pm gets through due to all this hiccups here at the moment..
Snowflower and Lilly are on their way to Austria now..
Happy travelling!
Happy travelling!
Received the book here in Austria! Thank you very much for sending & sharing! Will try to get to it ASAP.
Wow. I gobbled up the book in one afternoon! I probably read it way too fast and think this is one of those books that deserves to be read and savored slowly. Some years ago I've had to wade through innumerable books, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as countless academic articles on footbinding and nu shu for my thesis. So when I saw this book here offered as a ring, of course I jumped on it: I just *had* to read this book!
I started reading with a considerable amount of scepticism because from past experience I know that footbinding as a topic for fiction is a very difficult one. Many authors tend to cross over into sensationalism and voyeurism and fail to address the tremendously complex socio-historical issues behind footbinding. I must say, this is definitely one of the better books of fiction that I’ve read so far! The author treads very carefully (pun intended) as she describes the footbinding process. Now and then some of the more informative passages read too much like non-fiction, reminiscent of some of those non-fiction articles that I'd read - which distracted me as it tore me out of the story. The story is hauntingly beautiful and so sad! But aside from these style issues, overall I guess it’s not a bad thing to pack as much info and research as possible into a book. It was with interest that I read that the author was inspired by Wang Ping’s _Aching for Beauty_ – a book which I also have sitting in my bookshelf, and which I highly recommend to anyone interested in reading more about the history of footbinding in China.
I will try to upload some photos of Three-inch-Golden Lilies shoes from my personal collection. These are the little shoes that you pull over the bandaged feet, the kind that Lily and Snow Flower embroidered before their wedding …
Thank you SO much Hakkalina for offering this up for a ring and for letting me read! It was real treat ...
Smaller than my hand ...
Sent the book on to the next reader, estaplador in the UK. Enjoy!
This arrived in the post today. Thank you - I'm looking forward to reading it!
Journal Entry 36 by elstaplador at a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Friday, July 9, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (7/9/2010 UTC) at a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
A rather Harry Potterish title, but not a Potterish book. It gives the lie, incidentally, to the view that's been making the rounds to the effect that any first-person narrator with politically incorrect views must be somehow challenged within the text. It has been a long while since I have come across anything so harrowing as the graphic description of the experience of foot-binding followed immediately by a statement to the effect that this was how the narrator knew her mother loved her. Anyway, quite apart from that this was worth reading. It's not the kind of thing that I usually read, since I tend to avoid things about people with miserable lives, but I'm glad I didn't this time. It was an extremely thoughtful and moving depiction of a female friendship.
Posted to Lemon-Crisis today.
Posted to Lemon-Crisis today.
Came safely through the post this morning!
And thank you for the postcard elstaplador, you're not too far away from me =]
And thank you for the postcard elstaplador, you're not too far away from me =]
I finished this a few days ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Although some of the things that happen are depressing, I didn't find the novel itself depressing. I thought it was quite subtly uplifting. The one thing that did get me though was the footbinding - you can't help squirming really! Lol.
Thank you, hakkalina for sharing this wonderful book! I'll be sending it along to the next participant asap =]
Thank you, hakkalina for sharing this wonderful book! I'll be sending it along to the next participant asap =]
Posted to TiffanyAching this morning =]
The re-roofing on our house hasn't gone exactly to plan, so my (loft) room has been under plaster rubble for a few days. Lol. Dug the book out last night, I hope its not too dusty!
Lemon
xx
The re-roofing on our house hasn't gone exactly to plan, so my (loft) room has been under plaster rubble for a few days. Lol. Dug the book out last night, I hope its not too dusty!
Lemon
xx
Journal Entry 40 by TiffanyAching at Burntisland, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, August 5, 2010
arrived today, just off to start it and have a nice long bath
Journal Entry 41 by TiffanyAching at Burntisland, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, I agree that the descriptions of the footbinding made me pull faces.
It is beautifully sad, one of those books that will bring a lump to your throat.
You can see that the author has done her research into this history and culture, yet she folds it into the narrative very well unlike some historic novels I have read that read like they have extracts from History Lectures.
Sending out to Sardonyx shortly
It is beautifully sad, one of those books that will bring a lump to your throat.
You can see that the author has done her research into this history and culture, yet she folds it into the narrative very well unlike some historic novels I have read that read like they have extracts from History Lectures.
Sending out to Sardonyx shortly
Journal Entry 42 by TiffanyAching at Burntisland, Scotland United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (8/10/2010 UTC) at Burntisland, Scotland United Kingdom
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Posting to Sardonyx today
Journal Entry 43 by Sardonyx at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, August 16, 2010
The book has arrived safely. Thanks!
Journal Entry 44 by Sardonyx at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (8/25/2010 UTC) at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted on to Salvami today to continue on its journey. Enjoy!
The book arrived here safely with another ring book this morning. Thank you for sending this to me, Sardonyx :) and thank you hakkalina for organizing the ring! Now I will enjoy reading...
oh I finally finished reading this beautifully written story. Sorry that I took time to finish it, as I received some other ring/ray books in the same week...so a little bit busy..
Anyway, I liked this book very much. Very intriguing. I knew about foot binding and parents' preferences for babies' sex etc. , but I didn't know about laotang nor swon sisters. So I really enjoyed learning their culture through this book. As I am originally from Japan, I saw some similarities between China and Japan, like our hiragana characters were largely used by women while academically bright men used kanji (Chinese characters). Today everybody uses kanji, hiragana, and katakana though.
I will send this book to frutz in this week. Thank you so much for sharing, hakkalina!!
Anyway, I liked this book very much. Very intriguing. I knew about foot binding and parents' preferences for babies' sex etc. , but I didn't know about laotang nor swon sisters. So I really enjoyed learning their culture through this book. As I am originally from Japan, I saw some similarities between China and Japan, like our hiragana characters were largely used by women while academically bright men used kanji (Chinese characters). Today everybody uses kanji, hiragana, and katakana though.
I will send this book to frutz in this week. Thank you so much for sharing, hakkalina!!
posted today! on its way to frutz in France, ENJOY!
I received the book today from Ireland. Thanks salvami!
I will start reading this weekend
I will start reading this weekend
I finished the book today and really enjoyed reading it. I got a nice insight into 19th century China and on how much your life, especially as a woman, was predestined then, by things as where you were born, under which sign or the size of your feet. A very intressting read, I already recommended it to a friend...
I will send it out tomorrow to 2012. Happy reading!
Thanks again hakkalina for sharing this book
I will send it out tomorrow to 2012. Happy reading!
Thanks again hakkalina for sharing this book
Send by mail to 2012
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Thank you, I received the book today. Will try reading it soon, after I finish the one I'm reading at the moment.
Finished reading today. It was interesting to read about this nu shu -writing and footbinding of women. Now I know more about history of women in China. Sad but still beautiful story.
Next week I'll send the book to kirstykat. Enjoy!
Next week I'll send the book to kirstykat. Enjoy!
Received today with thanks. Can't wait to read it and pass it on. Thank you Judygreeneyes for the pretty and unusual bookmark and the postcard that you sent,too. :)
Journal Entry 54 by kirstykat at Barnet, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 28, 2010
This story will stay with me for years. A captivating, touching, sad and thought provoking tale, which made this book un- put-downable. It shows us the secret lives of chinese women in that era and the grace in which, for the most part, they endured it.
A highly recommended read.
Thank you hakkalina for sharing this outstanding and beautiful book with us.
A highly recommended read.
Thank you hakkalina for sharing this outstanding and beautiful book with us.
Journal Entry 55 by kirstykat at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 19, 2011
Released 13 yrs ago (2/19/2011 UTC) at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted on to next in ring to be enjoyed. A wonderful, wonderful book!
Arrived today, thank you :)
This was an excellent story - I ended up reading it all in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. The idea of a seperate female language has always fascinated me, and this novel does an excellent job of showing not just how it was used but how much of female culture was bound with it, and how those aspects fitted into the dominant culture.
I think this is one I'll want to reread at a later date - there's too much in it to absorb in one reading. It'll stay with me.
I think this is one I'll want to reread at a later date - there's too much in it to absorb in one reading. It'll stay with me.
On its way to the next reader!
It's here!
I really can't wait to read this book. It seems to be very good, judging by all these positive reviews.
Thank you, hakkalina, for including me! And thank you to Duskdreamer, for sending the book to me, as well as a very much appreciated treat of Bookcrssing stickers! :)
I really can't wait to read this book. It seems to be very good, judging by all these positive reviews.
Thank you, hakkalina, for including me! And thank you to Duskdreamer, for sending the book to me, as well as a very much appreciated treat of Bookcrssing stickers! :)
Journal Entry 60 by Libera13 at Vila Nova da Barquinha, Santarém Portugal on Wednesday, March 9, 2011
"We are a pair of mandarin ducks..."Finished yesterday.
I can't begin to say how I loved this book. China's history is a subject I particularly appreciate. When it comes to literature I was conquered by Jung Chang's Wild Swans, and this book had the exact same effect. We know from the start the book won't be a "nice" thing to read - there was so much misery and suffering back then that it can't be a book with a happy story. But even among these probations women accomplished something. Snow Flower and Lily are examples of endurance. And while their stories are told to us, we enter the secret world of women in the 19th century China - so this is both a fiction book and a remarkable accomplishment of researching at the same time. I actually winced at the descriptions of feet-bounding (I must confess that I though the final result would be more pleasant... the images on google truly made me sick...). However, despite all this, the crudeness of their life blends with its subtile beauty.
Nu shu, as well as the concept of sworn sisters and laotongs was very interesting. The way of matching people back them seems so strange, relying on the ways of monkey, horse or rat (but in truth we also do this with the zodiac). I also like the fact that the narrative was so symbolic (especially with the secret fan), as well as the descriptions of house chores, relationships, traditions, the singing, the poems, the clothes and the meanings of colors and figures in embroidering.
I could go on and on on how I loved this book, even if it made me cry in so many parts. There was only one think I didn't like much. Sometimes the language seemed too modern, and I forgot Lilly was the one telling the story, not the author. Appart from that, I'll definitely want to read the story again! (this meaning I want a copy on my private collection to read until I'm old (o:).
Thank you for sharing, hakkalina! :) I've PMed 727 for being given permition to send the book on.
Journal Entry 61 by Libera13 at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, March 18, 2011
Released 13 yrs ago (3/16/2011 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Ooops. I sent it two days ago to 727 but forgot to mention it.
It was surprisingly heartbreaking to let this book go :)
I had realised that there was going to be a movie about it but only now did I see the trailer that hakkalina posted (thank you for that :D). It seems they've changed some things (as usual) but I hope I'll enjoy the movie as well.
It was surprisingly heartbreaking to let this book go :)
I had realised that there was going to be a movie about it but only now did I see the trailer that hakkalina posted (thank you for that :D). It seems they've changed some things (as usual) but I hope I'll enjoy the movie as well.
received it as a bookray - right now it's third book on my list of TBR, but will try not to stall.
to put it very shortly, I think now I can include it into the list of my favourite books. when I was reading the footbinding part [which, to my opinion, should be called footbreaking], I kept shivering. seriously. I even was afraid I would have nightmares. but I kept reading. it was very scary and shocking, but even more interesting. I have vaguely heard about this 'tradition', but I was very keen on this laotong concept, which was completely new to me. it's sort of as if the author managed to put all the 'dry' traditions of a Chinese woman's life into amazingly interesting story without even emphasising those traditions openly. you don't even feel that it's educational, but it is. ah, it really got into me with all the women vs men issues as well. nah, it got into me with every single page of it. I finished reading it two days ago, but it still pleasantly haunts me once in a while.
it was sent out to the next member of the ring today. sorry for the delay~
it was sent out to the next member of the ring today. sorry for the delay~
Journal Entry 64 by 727 at Kaunas, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Lithuania on Monday, May 23, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (5/23/2011 UTC) at Kaunas, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Lithuania
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
finally sent it out to Lizzy-stardust. sorry for the delay.
Journal Entry 65 by Lizzy-stardust at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Monday, June 6, 2011
Received (finally) in todays post. I was beginning to think it was lost in the mail! Thanks for sharing!
Journal Entry 66 by Lizzy-stardust at Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Friday, June 17, 2011
Lisa See's writing is beautiful and her words so eloquent that I feel this possibly took away from the story being told, giving it a rather detached feeling. I feel that I learned a lot about the culture of 19th century Chinese women, though. Thank you for sharing this book. I will post it to Teggers tomorrow.
Arrived in the post this morning. I am reading a book now so I wouldn't be able to start immediately but I've read the first few pages and I can't wait to start. Thanks hakkalina for organizing this ring.
I read this on my recent trip to Ireland and couldn't put it down which was lucky because my holiday was the sit and read a book type. I really didn't know anything about the history of women in China apart from what I've gotten from movies and popular culture. I felt the author really captured the atmosphere of historical China and the role of women in their families and communities. Something that intrigued me is that I got no feeling of what era this story took place, it could have easily taken place in the 1800s as the 1600s though there are event such as the Taiping Rebellion which can give a reference if needed. Overall I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much for offering it. VictoriaWagtail has given me her address so this should get into the post this afternoon.
Flying off to Sweden now. Happy Reading!
Thank you Teggers for sending me this book, I'm reeeeeally looking forward to read it :) I've been waiting and waiting for it to arrive ever since I signed up for this ring, I have a good feeling about this one :)
And it has had a fantastic journey! I hope it will have the opportunity to continiue its travells.
visited 12 states (5.33%)
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And it has had a fantastic journey! I hope it will have the opportunity to continiue its travells.
visited 12 states (5.33%)
Create your own visited map of The World
Journal Entry 71 by VictoriaWagtail at Bagarmossen, Stockholm Sweden on Saturday, September 17, 2011
I liked this book even though it didn't entirely meet my high held expectations. I liked the historical introduction to 19th century China but the actual story was kind of crude. It wasn't bad, but not as good as I thought it would be. But as a whole the book was very readable and I'm glad I got the chance and I'm looking forward to learning more about Chinese history.
The book is now on its way to Marijketje :) Enjoy!
I truely thouht that I already made a journal entry for this book but apparantly I forgot somehow.
Anyway I finished the book. I liked it and learned about the Chinese culture of that time. I like that about books when I can learn something from them.
I will send the book back home to Hakkalina.
Anyway I finished the book. I liked it and learned about the Chinese culture of that time. I like that about books when I can learn something from them.
I will send the book back home to Hakkalina.
27 readers!
It is amazing!
Thank you everyone! I am so happy!!
