ornaments
snow flower and the secret fan
in nineteenth century china in a remote hunan county a girl named lily at the tender age of seven is paired with a laotong an old same in an emotional match that will last a lifetime . the laotong snow flower introduces herself by sending lily a silk fan on which shes written a poem in nu shu a unique language that chinese women created in order to communicate in secret away from the influence of men . as the years pass lily and snow flower send messages on the fan and compose stories on handkerchiefs reaching out of isolation to share their hopes dreams and accomplishments . together they endure the agony of footbinding and reflect upon their arranged marriages their loneliness and the joys and tragedies of motherhood . the two find solace in their friendship developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive . but when a misunderstanding arises their relationship suddenly threatens to tear apart . br snow flower and the secret fan is a captivating journey back to an era of chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful . now in a deluxe paperback edition complete with an expanded random house readers circle guide and an exclusive conversation between lisa see and her mother fellow writer carolyn see this lyrical and emotionally charged novel is as the seattle times says a beautifully drawn portrait of female friendship and power .