This is a book that I picked up from Barnes and Noble a couple of months ago. The title was interesting and the back description intriguing, so I thought I couldn't go wrong. It's really nice when i am so right about something like picking a book that I have never heard of before in my life. The premise of the book is that, in a male dominated society, there are some things women can do to still communicate with others, writing in a secretive language called nu shu to let families they may never see again and dear friends from the first dozen or so years of their lives, know how things are going for them.
The story is told from one woman's memories, a woman who has lived much longer than anyone anticipates. It starts with her recalling turning six, which is the age when foot binding is supposed to begin. She then describes all the wonderful and tragic things that happen to her and her family.
This is a beautiful book. I really couldn't put it down. It has given me hope for Chinese literature again (I HATED The Good Earth) and see that while women in ancient China were oppressed, their oppression wasn't always what we think it was. It is a wonderful story about friendship, dedication and love.
Really, it was amazing. I am going to seek out other books by Lisa See to determine if they are all up to this standard. If that is the case, I've found another author to add to my favorites.
1 comment:
this book was AMAZING - along with the compelling story of chinese women, it is also an emotional story that tells you how valuable a great friendship really should be treated
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