In 1800s China, the lives of Little Flower and Linjing Fong become intertwined when they are children. After her father's death, six-year-old Little Flower is sold to the wealthy Fong family and becomes Linjing's muizai (servant). Linjing is betrothed to the son of a family who can advance her father's ambitions. The prominent family she is set to marry into is more Westernized than most Chinese families, leading Linjing's father to forbid her from having her feet bound, a practice that, while barbaric, is considered a status symbol and a mark of feminine beauty. Having "golden lilies" was a sign of a respectable woman. Despite being a slave, Little Flower arrives at the Fong household with perfectly bound feet and is highly skilled in embroidery. Linjing's selfishness and jealousy create a rivalry between the two girls which carries into womanhood.
The Lotus Shoes is a remarkable debut novel by author Jane Yang, inspired by family stories. This deeply touching book delves into a culture that was often cruel towards women considered less valuable, including the practice of foot-binding. It is heartbreaking and hopeful with love and loss, betrayal, and redemption themes. The beauty of historical fiction lies in its capacity to transport readers to another place and time and ideally offer new insights. This novel fully achieves that. I loved it.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for providing a gifted advance copy of this book.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: January 7, 2025.
Please "like" this post if The Lotus Shoes sounds like a book you might like to read. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.
Comments