This book is such a heart wrenching story about the reality of woman in China. We follow dual POV - Lingjing (the mistress) and “Little flower” (the servant) - and we see the life of this 2 girls and they are bound to each other since they were children. We see the life of a servant and the life of a mistress, and even tho we may think one is luckier than the other, we see the reality of it: that neither is better than the other. In fact as the book progresses we start to hate, be sad, happy and hopeful for both of them, for different reasons.
We see a naked depiction of the social pressures on woman in a society where man ruled and the “problems” that they faced as 19th Century China opened their doors to Western forces, and was trying to feet in, This battle between the old chinese ways and the new western ways.

One of the things that bothered me a lot was the inconsistency of the names. We have chinese names as “Lingjing” or “Meilian”, but then have names like “Little Flower”, “Spring Rain” or “PhoenixW. If there is going to be random chinese words like “Aa De” or “Aa Noeng”, and since that means that we have a glossary at the end, why not up all the names in chinese? I think it would read way better, since reading the dialogues was just weird with those names.
I also felt that sometimes the story dragged way to much, and other times, the time-skip was way to sudden, meaning that there were some chapters that I was really into the story and other where I just felt that there was too much explanation. I do love internal monologues but it would be nice to have that happening in the story and not just being told via the characters.
I did like the plot twist at the middle point of the book, but honestly I do not know what to feel about the ending. I felt like it was a poetic way to end the book, but I also felt that it could be solved in another way. I must say I was expecting a tragic ending.

The Lotus Shoes is a breathtaking and haunting novel that delves deep into the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and societal expectations in a world shaped by tradition. The story follows Little Flower, sold as a child into the wealthy Fong household to become a muizai (servant), and Linjing, the pampered daughter of the house. What begins as a tale of rivalry, sparked by jealousy over Linjing’s bound feet and embroidery skills, evolves into a tense yet delicate relationship between the two girls.

Despite their stark differences in status, Little Flower and Linjing are bound together by necessity, particularly as they navigate the delicate arrangements of Linjing’s marriage—essential for both their futures. Throughout the years, their relationship shifts between bitterness and tentative friendship, each girl both relying on and resenting the other.

But when scandal strikes the Fong family, everything is thrown into turmoil. Linjing’s fall from grace presents an unexpected opportunity for Little Flower to escape the life of servitude she’s known, but the question remains: will their fates remain intertwined in triumph or tragedy?

The novel is truly captivating, steeped in the cultural richness of heritage while unflinchingly exposing the brutality and hardships faced by those confined by outdated traditions. The author’s storytelling is flawless, painting a vivid picture of a society that pressures women to conform to rigid roles while highlighting the prejudice and suffering that comes with it.

The relationship between Linjing and Little Flower is written with such depth and complexity that it feels almost hypnotic, drawing the reader into their world of shifting power dynamics, emotional tension, and survival. How the narrative examines societal pressures and the age-old beliefs that determine the girls' fates adds a powerful layer to the story.

I finished the last sentence with goosebumps—a testament to the beauty and impact of this novel. The Lotus Shoes is a rich and damning portrayal of lives bound by tradition, a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction that resonates long after the final page.

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What a marvellous book. I adored this from the start, the writing was easy to fall into and the two main characters, Little Flower and Linjing, were headstrong and incredibly written. Little Flower captured me instantly, I found myself rooting for her happiness and freedom. Linjing was more complicated, but a truly well fleshed out character with flaws and humanity.

The plot itself was entertaining, just when I thought things were settling, something else happened to throw the entire book in a new direction. Every plot point had intriguing characters, luscious backdrops and lively dialogue. I also enjoyed the commentary on China’s society at the time and the optimism for a future where women are not treated as objects.

Truly a magnitude of a book with characters that leap off the page and bring every word to life.

If you are looking for a read that mixes the modern novel with the qualities of the classics, I daresay, my fellow reader, you’ve come to the right realm.
Little Flower is a little girl sold to a wealthy family as a slave, and she is bound by their rules.
It is not only her life that is bound by the rules of this society, but her little feet.
She becomes Linjing’s handmaiden, and both girls and other women all struggling with the demands, expectations, perceptions and superstitions of the system go through the worst of fates.
It is rare that a novel, especially set in a time and location lesser known to me, to grip me by my shoulders and keep my attention.
Halfway through, things, including the mood and the pacing take a drastic turn, however reflecting on this, I find this a compelling decision.
Yang’s prose shines - first POV is quite tricky, at least as a reader+writer, I detect its shortcomings more. Though, Yang does this POV beautifully.
I have a dozen of other things to say I wish to say about this book, but you know what, it is best you read it yourself.
4.5 stars

The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang is an absolute triumph.
Little Flower is sold as a ladies' maid to Linjing who hails from the wealthy Fong family. Linjing is a very conceited and nasty young lady who cannot get passed Linjing's bound golden lillies - especially when she has unbound feet.
The tale takes place over many years and it is very easy to be transported into Little Flower's world. She has more downs than ups as she navigates life as a slave.
Yang is a master storyteller and every chapter captures your attention, you run through the same gamut of emotions that Little Flower does. She faces loss, love, and brutality all while serving a self-centered mistress.

A fantastic read. Highly recommended.

Wow! This book blew me away. It's a sad but beautiful story. The writing transports you to a most extraordinary period of history and introduces you to customs that seem at odds with the world we know today. Would highly recommend!