Snow Flower And The Secret Fan Novel
Introduction
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan is a novel written by Lisa See, an American author of Chinese descent. The novel was published in 2005 and has since become an international bestseller. It is a historical fiction that tells the story of two women who become lifelong friends in 19th century China.
The Plot
The novel is set in 19th century China, a time when women were bound by tradition and had few rights. The story revolves around two women, Lily and Snow Flower, who become laotong, or lifelong friends, at the age of seven. They communicate through a secret language called nu shu, which was created by women for women as they were not allowed to learn Chinese characters.
Lily and Snow Flower's friendship is tested when they are married off to different men and start their own families. Lily's husband is abusive and her life becomes miserable. However, she finds solace in her friendship with Snow Flower and they continue to communicate through letters written in nu shu.
The Themes
The novel explores several themes such as friendship, love, tradition, and the role of women in society. The friendship between Lily and Snow Flower is the central theme of the novel. It shows the power of friendship in overcoming difficult situations.
The novel also explores the tradition of foot binding, which was a practice where young girls had their feet tightly bound to prevent them from growing. It was considered a sign of beauty and wealth. However, it was a painful practice that left women unable to walk properly for the rest of their lives.
The Writing Style
Lisa See's writing style is captivating and immersive. She has a way of transporting the reader to 19th century China and making them feel like they are a part of the story. She also does an excellent job of depicting the struggles of women during that time period.
The Reception
The novel has received critical acclaim and has been translated into 39 languages. It was also adapted into a movie in 2011. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of female friendship and its exploration of Chinese culture.
Conclusion
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan is a beautiful novel that explores the themes of friendship, love, tradition, and the role of women in society. Lisa See's writing style is captivating and immersive, making it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction. The novel has received critical acclaim and has become an international bestseller.