Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is lauded for its evocative portrayal of female friendship and historical detail of 19th-century China. Readers praise its emotional depth and cultural insights, though some find its pacing slow and the narrative occasionally melodramatic. Overall, it's a poignant and enriching read.

Readers who enjoy Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See are likely fans of historical fiction, particularly those captivated by Chinese culture and strong female friendships. Similar books include Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, which also explore intricate relationships and cultural heritage.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a frame tale narrated by an 80-year-old Chinese woman named Lily, reflecting on her life, friendship with Snow Flower, and their shared experiences. The story follows Lily and Snow Flower from childhood to adulthood, exploring the cultural practices of foot-binding, marriage, and female friendship as they navigate personal hardships and societal expectations. Sensitive topics include domestic violence, addiction, and infant mortality.

Emotional / Contemplative / Mysterious / Melancholic / Inspirational

- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan introduces readers to nu shu, a secret script created and used by women in one region of China, which played a significant role in female communication and friendship.
- The novel inspired a film adaptation released in 2011, directed by Wayne Wang, which offered a modern storyline paralleling the historical narrative.
- Author Lisa See extensively researched her own Chinese heritage and the history of female relationships in China to accurately depict the themes of friendship and cultural practice in the book.

**Lily**  
The narrator of the story, who rises from a poor household to a respected position, and whose complicated relationships shape much of the narrative.

**Snow Flower**  
Lily's close friend, admired for her buoyancy and grace, whose life circumstances are more challenging than they first appear.

**Mama**  
Lily’s mother, who is responsible for preparing Lily for her future, including overseeing her foot-binding process, and who becomes the head woman of the house after Lily's grandmother dies.

**Aunt**  
Lily's aunt, who, despite her low status due to not having a son, influences the girls’ upbringing through her education and teaches them nu shu, a secret women's writing.

**Madame Wang**  
The matchmaker responsible for arranging Lily and Snow Flower’s marriages, who is also Snow Flower’s aunt and works to look after her niece's interests.

Lisa See

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: Daughter Days

Prologue-Chapter 2

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-6

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: Hair-Pinning Days

Chapters 7-9

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-11

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Rice-and-Salt Days

Chapters 12-13

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 12-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-15

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 14-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Rice-and-Salt Days - Part 4: Sitting Quietly

Chapters 16-Epilogue

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Chapters 16-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Character Analysis

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Themes

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Essay Topics

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan?

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Book Details