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!