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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan summary
Lisa See
Brief summary
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a historical fiction that explores the profound relationship between two women in 19th-century China, bound by a secret language and the difficulties of societal expectations.
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Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Summary of key ideas
Embarking on A Female Friendship
In Snow Flower and The Secret Fan, by Lisa See, we are introduced to a life-long friendship between two women, Lily and Snow Flower. Matched by a local matchmaker and bound by an "old sames" friendship pact in 19th century rural China, Lily and Snow Flower begin their journey of shared experiences and the harnessing of a secret women's language known, all the while subjected to the societal hardships faced by women.
The book begins with the introduction of nu shu, a secret phonetic script used by women to communicate and keep records of their lives away from the prying eyes of men. This forms the bedrock of Lily and Snow Flower's correspondence throughout their lives, enabling them to express their emotions, dreams, and tribulations in an overwhelmingly patriarchal society.
Exploring the Method of Footbinding
Lily and Snow Flower, like many women of their time, are subjected to the painful tradition of footbinding. Lisa See uses the footbinding tradition as a symbolic reference to the oppressive and painful experiences of women in this culture. The girls endure this agonizing practice as a rite of passage to womanhood and acceptance in society. The smaller their feet, the greater their prospects of marrying into a reputable family.
In their seclusion during footbinding, the young girls grow together, sharing stories, embroidering beautiful messages on a fan, and strengthening their bond. The fan becomes a recurring theme in the book, representing the intricacies, pains, and joys of their evolving lives and friendship.
Experiencing the Effects of Misinterpretation
Despite their unbreakable bond, as expected, life takes Lily and Snow Flower on different paths. Lily secures a marriage into a higher social caste, while Snow Flower marries into a lower class. Over time, a misunderstanding emerges from a misinterpreted nu shu message from Snow Flower on the fan. This tests their friendship severely as Lily feels betrayed by Snow Flower, who she perceives had lied to her about her husband's real social status.
Lily’s lack of understanding leads to drama, tension, and a temporary detachment of their friendship. Amidst the personal upheavals and societal frame set for women, they experience personal growth, maturity, and an insight into the role of perception in friendship and human relationships.
Reflecting on Lifelong Regret and Forgiveness
The series of events force Lily to reflect, leading her to regret her misinterpretation of the nu shu messages. In her old age, she realizes that her best friend never intended to deceive her. She mourns Snow Flower’s death, expressing her wish to be abandoned in a place where the regret won't reach her. As Lisa See draws a vivid image of the raw and unforgiving reality of a patriarchal society, we witness the novel's significance as a deeply reflective study of friendship, regret, and forgiveness.
In conclusion, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan showcases an extraordinarily vivid and poignant story of friendship set amidst the harsh realities of 19th-century China. Lisa See beautifully intertwines the thematic threads of friendship, love, regret, and forgiveness in a truly heart-touching narrative. The novel reminds us of the importance of communication and perception in our relationships.
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What is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan about?
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a captivating story set in 19th century China. It follows the lifelong friendship between two women, Snow Flower and Lily, as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and cultural expectations. Through their secret communication using a secret code called nu shu, they share their hopes and dreams, creating a bond that transcends time and societal norms.
Who should read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan?
- Readers interested in exploring the complexities of female friendships within Chinese culture
- Individuals seeking insights into the role of tradition and societal expectations on women's lives
- Those who enjoy historical fiction novels that weave together themes of love, loyalty, and resilience
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