The lotus shoes A novel

Little Flower's hopes for a good marriage lie in one thing: her "golden lilies," or bound feet, a sign of beauty and privilege in nineteenth-century China. Then her parents sell her to the distinguished Fong family, and her dreams for a better life are shattered. Now she's the maidservant to a girl around her age named Linjing, who thwarts Little Flower's attempts to leave out of jealousy and spite. Even worse, Little Flower is forced to unbind her feet, which are permanently disfigured. However, after a scandal throws the Fong household into chaos, the two join the Celibate Sisterhood together and grow to become friends. But when Little Flower draws the attention of a nobleman with her talent for embroidery, Linjing must decide if she's willing to use her friend to regain her own position in society. Shifting between Linjing's and Little Flower's narratives, Yang paints lush landscapes in this coming-of-age tale about sisterhood, love, and status. A stunning debut for historical-fiction fans who appreciate complicated female leads.

Yang debuts with a fascinating portrayal of ambition and cruelty in 19th-century China. Little Flower, a young woman with bound feet, is sold to the Fong family and forced to serve their spoiled daughter, Linjing, who comes to feel threatened by her mother's affection for Little Flower. Part of Little Flower's appeal lies in her bound feet, or "golden lilies," which are coveted by members of the upper class. She also charms with her embroidery skills. Both attributes are bruising to Linjing, as her feet were never bound and her own embroidery pales in comparison. In retaliation, Linjing forces Little Flower to destroy a beautiful wedding quilt that took her two years to complete. Still, Little Flower attempts to please Linjing, hoping to remain in the family's good graces and eventually make a good marriage. Yang skillfully depicts the tension between the two women, and even manages to evoke sympathy for the vindictive Linjing after her betrothal ends in a scandal that causes the two women's fates to be linked. Yang's expert plotting and nuanced historical details result in an exceptional story that enchants from the first page to the last. (Jan.)