Book review by Jane
This story centers around two Chinese women and their families in the 1800’s. The author makes use of some facts about certain Chinese women who developed and used a written language to communicate with other women. (Men felt it was unimportant woman talk.) The women of course, had bound feet if they were of a good family, and they were all kept in the home for the most part, away from men’s business. The two main characters are matched together similarly to the husband and wife matches—they were done according to a matchmaker’s insight, taking into account the similarities that the girls had and their ability to help each other in life, at least, in this match, that was taken into account. One girl was on her way up in society, and the other was on her way down. The upward girl taught the girl how to do household chores, and the downward girl taught embroidery and the nu shu, the writing of the women. Of course, they had help through the relatives around them, because they were just girls.

This author described the foot binding in all its glory, as the two girls had it done at the age of seven. I have read books describing it, but this fiction account is grueling. I liked reading this book precisely because it presented the Chinese culture in a way I could understand. Some of the reading I have done on the Chinese culture I found difficult: there are so many taboos and traditions that it is hard to understand the culture. This book simplified that by focusing on two women and following them through their lives. I’m not saying that reading has to be easy to be fun, but it does help to bring home some of the basics that you’ve learned when the format is a little simpler, especially if you enjoy learning about Chinese culture like I do. Of course, you have to keep in mind that it is fiction, but still brings home some points; memories of other readings, for example.

The story itself is enjoyable. The women are like women I know in so many ways, with concerns like we all have. Their friendship is flawed, like real friendships are. I found myself touched by the story and I couldn’t help but shed a tear or two. This is one of the better books I’ve read—descriptive and entertaining, well researched and intelligent.

Jane.