The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

 

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her? 

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About The Author

 

Jane Yang’s family migrated from Vietnam to Australia when she was seven; she spent her childhood living in a Chinese-Vietnamese enclave. Due to her family’s limited means, extracurricular activities were not affordable; instead, Jane amused herself by binging Cantonese period dramas (rented from a video store that imported them from Hong Kong) and reading lots of historical fiction.

Although educated in pharmaceutical science, Jane still has one foot in the world of Chinese superstition: for luck, she keeps a minimum of five fish in her aquarium at all times.

'The Lotus Shoes,' her debut historical fiction, will be published in January 2025. 

 

My Review

 This book was such a compelling page turner, told from two points of view. First we have Little Flower, a young girl sold into slavery by her widowed mother. Then there is Linjing, she ends up owing Little Flower, a spoiled daughter of the First Wife.
This is the early 1800's life in China, and men of wealth seemed to have a number of wives, and the goal to have sons! While it seems like a male society, the oldest First Wife rules over the household!
We follow these girls, the same age when we meet them, 6, through there lives, and are with them with struggles, and life changing events.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it! There is a big theme of forgiveness here!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.