Enter a mysterious and riveting world -- the world of Chinese women in the late ninteenth century, complete with foot bindings and the upstairs rooms where women spent their lives. During these times, some women used secret writings to communicate with their "old sames", life-long friends chosen in a contract arranged between families. Lily is now an old woman, relegated to a corner of the “women's room” where she reminisces about her life and dear old same, Snow Flower. Throughout childhood, marriage, motherhood and old age, the women share messages of love and support on a secret fan. Lisa See's straightforward writing style is so realistic that the characters seem lifelike to the reader and the story remains vivid long after the book is finished.

Reviewed by Susan G., Myers Park Branch

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