In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “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 she’s painted 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 fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

MY REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1234329992

Read from March 22 to 24, 2015

I saw the movie years ago and just ordered the blu ray actually.

You don't get as much detail in the movie of the foot binding as you do in the book. This is a horrific thing done to these children. Breaking their little toes and curling them into these tiny little things so you can find a better marriage! What is wrong with people? I know there are a lot of different things done in different cultures but I don't care. Moving on!

The story is of the special bond between two little girls that are paired together as laotong, which means, "old same." They are like sisters and have a stronger connection than most. This is the story of Lily and Snow Flower from childhood through death. All of the trials they had to go through in life together and apart after marriage. They are so lucky to have a bond like that, especially when they have to live life being called worthless unless they can have good feet and find a good husband.

The story has some good things in it, but most is just so sad reading about this kind of culture. I still very much loved it. It's one that will really get to you.  5 Stars