Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Now reading Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. So far, it's a beautiful exploration of relationships between women in 19th century rural China, where they were largely isolated from men (including their husbands), spending their time "upstairs" embroidering and telling stories. The story focuses on two friends, Lily and Snow Flower. Each has taken out a contract to become "old sames", partners in every aspect for life. We see their pains and joys, their lives unfold before our eyes, and we see their relationship grow, year by year, through the women's secret writing of nu-shu, a secret way of communicating to each other.

This is a book that is a compelling story, written with sensitivity, historical fact, and insight into cultural practices. It shows what it means to be a woman (and a man) within societal traditions, expectations, influences and demands of the time period.