Clymer Library Reader's Advisory

Two girls from totally opposite walks of life are bonded as laotongs, (intimate friends) in the 19th-century in China. How wonderful for Lily, born to a poor farmer and wife to befriend Snow Flower. They communicate thru nu shu, a secret written phonetic code used only by women.As the years pass, the women's relationship changes, due to the rigid codes of conduct for women, and betrayal. Lisa See has captured the period, explaining women's roles and expected conduct. Be prepared for the detailed and troubling description of the binding of young girl's feet. I was totally engrossed in this historical fiction. Beautifully written, you'll be caught up in these two women's lives.