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Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

By: Lensey Namioka
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
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Publisher's Summary

Third Sister in the Tao family, Ailin has watched her two older sisters go through the painful process of having their feet bound. In China in 1911, all the women of good families follow this ancient tradition. But Ailin loves to run away from her governess and play games with her male cousins. Knowing she will never run again once her feet are bound, Ailin rebels and refuses to follow this torturous tradition. As a result, however, the family of her intended husband breaks their marriage agreement. And as she enters adolescence, Ailin finds that her family is no longer willing to support her.

Chinese society leaves few options for a single woman of good family, but with a bold conviction and an indomitable spirit, Ailin is determined to forge her own destiny. Her story is a tribute to all those women whose courage created new options for the generations who came after them.

©1999 Lensey Namioka (P)2013 AudioGO
Coming of Age Fiction Historical Fiction Multicultural Self Esteem & Self Image United States Young Adult Marriage
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Critic Reviews

"With the force and intensity of a memoir, the novel chronicles a heroine who creates her own destiny through events as dramatic as they are credible, and weaves in just enough political history to help readers understand the turbulent climate." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Ailin’s reminiscences, used as narration, are simple and straightforward, and the discussions of foot-binding are startlingly effective." ( VOYA)
"Set against the backdrop of political unrest and social change, this novel provides a realistic window into turn-of-the-century Chinese culture.... Great for recreational reading, this solid story will also work well in supplementing social-studies units." ( School Library Journal)

What listeners say about Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

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So good I couldn’t stop listening

Amazing, one of the best books I’ve read/ listened to, by librarian suggested it and when I saw it for free on here I gave it a listen, best choice of my life.

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enjoyable read

I had heard about foot binding practice in China before but this story really opened my eyes to just how crippling and cruel the practice is.

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Enjoyable

This is an enjoyable book about foot binding in China in the past and the reasons it was done. Through the character who refused to have it done ... we see the 'consequences' of not going with tradition and status. We also see the (substantial) benefits of her refusal. Thanks Audible.

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Boring and surface level story

I find the book explored the themes of feminism, Chinese culture and colonisation in such a bland and surface manner. Not worth the time it took to read.

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