One-line summary:

In “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” two women in 19th-century China form a deep bond through the practice of nu shu, a secret women’s writing system, as they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations.

Introduction:

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 19th-century China. The story follows the lives of two women, Lily and Snow Flower, who form a deep and enduring friendship through the practice of nu shu, a secret women’s writing system. As they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations, their bond is tested, revealing the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal society.

The Bond of Lily and Snow Flower:

Lily, the narrator of the story, is a young girl from a humble farming family in Hunan province. She is paired with Snow Flower, a girl from a wealthy family in a neighboring village, in a laotong relationship—an emotional bond that is considered more sacred than marriage. Through a series of letters written in nu shu, Lily and Snow Flower share their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets. Their friendship becomes a lifeline as they face the challenges of foot-binding, arranged marriages, and the expectations placed upon women in their society.

The Practice of Nu Shu:

Nu shu, meaning “women’s writing,” is a secret code created and used exclusively by women in rural China. Passed down from generation to generation, it served as a means of communication and emotional support for women who were often isolated and oppressed. Through nu shu, Lily and Snow Flower are able to express their true selves, share their joys and sorrows, and find solace in each other’s words. The practice of nu shu becomes a powerful symbol of female resilience and the strength of female friendships.

The Challenges of Love and Marriage:

As Lily and Snow Flower grow older, they face the challenges of love and marriage. Lily is married off to a butcher, while Snow Flower is married into a prestigious family. Both women experience the pain of unfulfilled expectations and the harsh realities of their marriages. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice as Lily and Snow Flower navigate the complexities of their relationships, often finding solace in their secret correspondence.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of female friendships: Lily and Snow Flower’s bond demonstrates the strength and resilience that can be found in supportive relationships between women.
• The importance of communication: Nu shu serves as a lifeline for Lily and Snow Flower, allowing them to express their true selves and find emotional support.
• The impact of societal expectations: The novel sheds light on the oppressive nature of patriarchal societies and the limitations placed upon women in 19th-century China.

“We women are expected to endure our lives with grace and a smile. We are expected to have no desires, to subsume ourselves in the needs and wants of others. We are expected to be silent, to be obedient, to be chaste.”

In “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” Lisa See beautifully captures the complexities of female relationships, the power of communication, and the resilience of women in the face of societal expectations. Through the practice of nu shu, Lily and Snow Flower find solace, support, and a sense of identity in a world that seeks to silence them. This poignant and thought-provoking novel reminds us of the strength and endurance of women throughout history.