Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

I had not yet read any of Lisa See's work. Though Snow Flower and the Secret Fan had been on my to-read list, I thought it looked serious and daunting. (It was serious, but it was anything but daunting.) I gave myself a week to read this book, knowing that I wanted to read some of her work before I saw her read from her newest novel this Thursday. I was hoping I would finish.

In three days (and, actually, not reading much at all for one of those days) I had read every single word of this engrossing novel. See's storytelling ability is remarkable; not only because the reader is hooked by the characters and prose, but because it is intelligent. Her work inspired me to turn to wikipedia more than once, not for clarification about anything she was writing or because details were left out, but rather because I was fascinated about the topics she had presented. 

I had read the reviews: "haunting," "heartbreaking," "achingly beautiful." I thought those words would boil down to pretentious and boring. I was wrong. It was achingly beautiful all the way through, from the very first sentence. It was heartbreaking in a way I've not experienced in a novel; the sadness creeps up on you and seeps out of your eyes instead of slamming into you like many devastations do. It is the kind of heartbreak that leaks into your soul like only the ones that you inflict on others can, not like the ones that happen to you; that you can brace yourself against and eventually get away from. It's the kind that haunt you because you know that you did something that you can't fix. It wasn't until I had come to the end that I recognized the magnitude of what had been done, and that this is not only the story of Lily and Snow Flower, but of many of us. I would venture to say that we have all been guilty of what happened in this novel, whether on purpose or not, whether we have realized it yet or will twenty years from now, whether it was against a friend, lover, or family member. 

I have already ordered Poeny in Love from Paperback Swap, and am eager to hear from (and buy) her latest novel, Shanghai Girls on Thursday. I've read the description, and know that again I will be mesmerized by her sketch of women, friendship, and history. 

I can say, now, that I am  a little intimidated by this woman who can not only weave together such a beautiful story, but present it in such a thoughtful, intelligent manner. See is a true talent, and an inspirational wordsmith.

I highly recommend this work that will force you, in the gentlest of ways, to be introspective about your role in your relationships (past and present) and the achingly beautiful, haunting nature of life.

Five Coconuts 

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Comments

[Mallory Woodlee]

I read this book over the weekend and couldn't put it down. Your words to describe it are perfect- "It is the kind of heartbreak that leaks into your soul like only the ones that you inflict on others can, not like the ones that happen to you; that you can brace yourself against and eventually get away from." My heart ached for both Lilly and Snow Flower- in a way I have never read. It truly is an achingly beautiful story. Thanks for the suggestion Coconut Librarian.

[Coconut Library]

My pleasure! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback! :)