Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

What a beautiful, heartbreaking novel. The friendship between Lily and Snow Flower was the heart of the book, and the author made me feel such empathy for both women. I was fascinated to learn the details of the Chinese customs of foot binding and nu shu, which became so important in the girls' lives. I did not find this to be an easy book to read - it seemed that every page brought more suffering, either physical or emotional - but I was so compelled by Lily's story that I never considered quitting. This was a challenging read, but one I don't think I will soon forget.