Deep relationships

I greatly enjoyed this insight into an ancient world of arranged marriages, secret women’s business, the world of the inner chamber, bound feet and the Taiping Rebellion. The way the story unfolds through an organised relationship between two young girls sheds light on the expectations of those women. The lives they each forged for within the constraints of a very ordered and patriarchal society creates a compelling story. Arranged marriages led some women into dreadfully abusive situations and others into great privilege. Nevertheless privilege comes at a price. The main character faces many sorrowful situations in spite of her wealth and fortune. I became very involved with this story. It gave me a great deal to think about. In our modern Western world we grew up shunning all rules and regulations. However this anarchy also does not guarantee joy! Many people feel directionless and their circumstances are often dependent on luck. Solid parenting is essential in this era - just as it was in ancient China. We do not have a road map but need to teach children how to make choices from an early age. Their direction is not spelled out from birth. However society is changing faster than we can learn to fit into it so the task of sound parenting is becoming increasingly hard. into great privilege. Nevertheless privilege comes at a price. The main character faces many sorrowful situations in spite of her wealth and fortune. I became very involved with this story. It gave me a great deal to think about. In the modern West we grew up shunning all rules and regulations on our lives. However this anarchy also does not guarantee joy! Many people feel directionless - solid guiding parenting is essential in this era where the society is changing faster than we can learn to fit into it!!!

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loved it

cannot praise this story enough it's the kind that really stays with you long after hearing it.A beautiful story of love and it enduring all things.In parts it was very hard to listen to in particular the detailed description of the foot binding but at the same time it's important to remember that these things happened for a long time,it was part of their history and culture.The narration was excellent very convincing I was never once bored.want to say more but don't want to spoil the listeners I highly recommend this and will listen to it again and again

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Snow Flower and Lady Lou. What a life

I enjoyed this story. Setting up visions of poor families in ancient China could be a hard task, however Lisa See does a wonderful job of it.
The lives of two Chinese women is told with understanding and imagination. I listened intently as their lives unraveled into a journey of joy and sadness, bitterness and betrayal.
Janet Song delivers a fine performance and I would listen to more of these stories. I believe See and Song do just that. Lisa "sees" the vision and Janet " sings" it. A perfect combination.

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A beautiful telling of a friendship and adversity.

The lives of these women is difficult and yet their story is hopeful. I was enchanted by the rich story telling in this book. Beautifully written and beautifully read.

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Great Story With Historical Element

I really enjoyed this offering by Lisa See. The story was well written and the charachters well developed. I didnt necessarily like all of the characters, though I think that's what makes them more real. For anyone interested in or who has travelled to China, the story gives the reader a great look into China in the 1800's and helps develop understanding of China today. I would definately recommed this listen.

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the power of women who appear to have none

a moving story with interesting historical and cultural expression.
Very well read.
powerful contextual setting
well researched

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