The Lotus Shoes

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the cultural richness of heritage while unflinchingly exposing the brutality and hardships faced by those confined by outdated traditions.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.

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!

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 is the story of Linjing, a high-born girl in 19th century China, and Little Flower, her servant. The two girls meet at the age of six, and their lives intertwine as they grow up within a society that prizes obedience and tradition. Through Linjing and Little Flower’s life experiences, the novel explores the realities of their world, including the practice of foot binding and the rigid roles assigned to women.

This book was so powerful and beautifully written, at the same time describing a society objectively and condemning its cruelties, accepting its realities and offering hope for alternative ways of life, exploring how members of a society come to internalise its most painful traditions while still offering resolution. Beautiful on more levels than I can describe. I cried for Little Flower and for all the women she represented.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.