Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Summary
Description
Here you will find a Snow Flower and the Secret Fan summary (Lisa See's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Summary Overview
In her twilight years, Lily looks back on her life, recalling her deep desire for maternal affection from a young age. At six, a matchmaker, Madame Wang, suggests that with her bounded feet and a laotong, an exclusive lifelong friendship with another woman, Lily could marry into a well-off family in the prosperous Tongkou village. The footbinding process is agonizing and results in the tragic death of Lily's younger sister due to an infection. Madame Wang then introduces Lily to her laotong, Snow Flower, a girl from a noble family. They communicate through nu shu, a secret language used by women, on a fan, which becomes their mutual message board. As Lily and Snow Flower grow older, they bond over shared experiences of preparing for marriage and refining their nu shu skills. Tragedy strikes when Beautiful Moon, Lily's cousin, succumbs to a fatal bee sting. Lily eventually marries into the wealthy Lu family and discovers Snow Flower's family’s impoverished state during a visit. This revelation, along with discovering Snow Flower's engagement to a butcher, sows seeds of betrayal in Lily, yet she reassures Snow Flower that her feelings remain unchanged. In the ensuing years, Lily cements her position in her new family by birthing two sons, while Snow Flower gives birth to a son and then two stillborn daughters. When Snow Flower’s second son dies, and her husband abuses her, Lily advises Snow Flower to be obedient. A misunderstanding leads to a strained relationship, with Lily believing Snow Flower to have broken their laotong contract. Years later, as Snow Flower lies on her death bed, Lily realizes her misunderstanding regarding the perceived betrayal. Filled with remorse, Lily dedicates the rest of her life to making amends to Snow Flower's children and honoring Snow Flower's memory by sharing their story.
chapter 1
At the age of eighty, Lily reminisces about her past as all her loved ones have passed away. Her lifelong pursuit of love has been her source of all suffering, such as her yearning for her mother's affection, which led her to endure the pain of footbinding without complaint. This ordeal instilled in her a capacity to bear pain, forming her personality. Her life has been governed by her mother or husband, except when communicating in a women-only language with her spiritual twin, Snow Flower. Now alone, Lily contemplates the messages she and Snow Flower shared on a fan, tracing the evolution of their bond from childhood to adulthood. She reflects on her lessons in love, regretting not appreciating Snow Flower more. Lily starts to narrate her story as an explanation to her late loved ones, her ancestors, and Snow Flower.
chapter 2
Lily, a farmer's daughter, shares a room with her two sisters, Elder Sister and Third Sister, and her cousin, Beautiful Moon. As young girls, they are more rivals than siblings, vying for their parents' attention. At a tender age of five, Lily observes her family dynamics more closely. She notes the affection between her plain-looking Aunt and Uncle and their fondness for Beautiful Moon, while her own mother barely acknowledges her. She comes to the painful realization that as a second daughter, she is insignificant to her mother since she will eventually belong to her husband's family. Lily decides to be useful and unnoticeable, hoping to earn her mother's approval. The women retire to their private chamber while Lily and her younger siblings work in the fields. Post lunch, Lily is allowed into the women's chamber where her Elder Sister's sworn sisters are visiting. Despite their sisterhood formed at seven years old, the bond will break upon their respective marriages. Aunt persuades Lily's mother to let Lily and Beautiful Moon play outside, reminding her of their upcoming footbinding that will limit such opportunities. After some persuasion, Mama reluctantly agrees. Following dinner, Lily tries to show affection to Mama, only to be pushed away. Reflecting on that day, Lily recalls the emotions she felt as she started to see her family in a different light.
chapter 3
Lily's mother arranges to have a diviner pick a lucky day for Lily's footbinding. The diviner recommends involving a matchmaker, rather surprisingly one from Tongkou, Madame Wang, instead of the local Madame Gao. The diviner believes Lily has potential for perfect feet post footbinding. During Madame Wang's inspection, Lily observes a desire for betterment in her mother's eyes. Madame Wang proposes creating a laotong bond with a girl from a higher-status family, promising a more advantageous marriage for Lily. Notwithstanding, Mama slaps Lily after Madame Wang's departure, warning that she'll bring trouble, even though Lily interprets the slap as an auspicious sign. In the women’s chamber, Lily embarks on her learning journey, studying Confucian obedience, sewing, and the secret women's language, nu shu. She finds out that nu shu is phonetic and context-dependent and it must remain concealed from men. At seven, a date is set for Lily, Third Sister, and Beautiful Moon to commence their footbinding, considered a pivotal step towards marriage and motherhood of a son. The footbinding begins with Lily and Beautiful Moon, followed by Third Sister who attempts to escape but is forcibly brought back. The girls are made to walk, weeping in agony, hence understanding the necessity to obey for their own benefit. Eventually, Third Sister falls sick, with her legs full of red stripes and her feet oozing pus and blood. Despite her condition, footbinding continues in fear of her being unmarriageable if crippled. When Lily’s father brings in a doctor, he declares he cannot help Third Sister and also observes that Grandmother is sick. Soon, Third Sister passes away, followed by Grandmother. This reinforces Lily's belief that her bound feet will signify her compliance and pain tolerance to her future in-laws.
chapter 4
Following the funerals of Third Sister and Grandmother, Lily and Beautiful Moon carry on with their footbinding process. Simultaneously, Elder Brother and Elder Sister kick off their wedding preparations with Madame Gao, a local matchmaker who Lily considers less sophisticated than Madame Wang. During a visit from Elder Sister's close friends, they share a song titled "The Story of the Woman with Three Brothers," a tragic tale of a woman who takes her own life because her brothers can't provide a dowry. Lily comprehends the deeper lesson: a woman's duty shifts from one man to another. Madame Wang comes with news of a suitable laotong match for Lily - a girl named Snow Flower. They match in numerous ways, including birth date, birth order, and height, yet Snow Flower's family is of a higher rank than Lily's. Madame Wang presents Lily with a fan, encouraging Mama to ponder over the proposed match. Upon opening the fan, Lily, with help from Elder Sister, deciphers a message from Snow Flower written in nu shu, inviting them to be "sames together." Once her parents give their consent, Lily writes her reply on the same fan, defying tradition to etch their friendship permanently, an act usually reserved for a new fan. Madame Wang then takes the fan to Snow Flower.
chapter 5
Several days pass and Lily eagerly anticipates her rendezvous with Snow Flower. Accompanied by Madame Wang, Lily and Snow Flower venture to the Temple of Gupo in a palanquin. Upon Madame Wang's departure from the vehicle, Snow Flower commences a conversation, referring to Madame Wang as "Auntie". Her use of this term puzzles Lily, leading Snow Flower to note that this is Lily's first utterance. She points out that whilst her own chattiness lands her in problems, Lily's quiet nature will make her an excellent wife. Upon Madame Wang's return, she instructs the girls to select a page for their laotong pact. Lily initially chooses a large piece of paper, but Snow Flower comments on its inferior quality and suggests it won't symbolize the enduring nature of their bond. Instead, Snow Flower selects a smaller, but higher-quality piece. This makes Lily realize how sophisticated Snow Flower is in comparison. They ink their lifetime commitment and Madame Wang declares their bond as holy as matrimony, with an added caveat—nothing or no one should ever come between them. Subsequently, Snow Flower and Lily enjoy the fair, although at a slower pace due to Snow Flower's footbinding recovery. They return to Lily's residence, where Snow Flower will be a guest for several days. Lily feels self-conscious about her humble abode, knowing that Snow Flower is accustomed to grander living conditions. As they drift to sleep, Lily contemplates ways to earn the affection she yearns for from Snow Flower.
chapter 6
Lily reflects on the unique nature of a laotong's love, contrasting it with the familial love often rooted in obligation and prone to letdowns. She's accustomed to earning affection through effort, so she attempts to build her bond with Snow Flower via their fan messages. Snow Flower's words appear more refined to Lily. When Snow Flower visits, they chat, laugh, and enjoy their youth together. Lily acquires more genteel behaviors from Snow Flower, who in turn learns about daily tasks from Lily. Observing Snow Flower's interactions with her Younger Brother, father, and Uncle, Lily sees her bring vitality and happiness into their home. Lily is convinced her efforts have cultivated the love she sought and believes Snow Flower reciprocates her feelings.
chapter 7
For three years, Lily receives Snow Flower at her home but never visits Snow Flower's. Conflicts rise between Madame Wang and Madame Gao; Madame Gao wants Snow Flower's family to employ her, a move to retaliate against Madame Wang for usurping Lily and Beautiful Moon’s destiny. Following Lily, Beautiful Moon, and Snow Flower's footbinding at eleven, Madame Wang finds them suitable matches. Lily is betrothed to the affluent Lu family in Tongkou. Beautiful Moon is set to join a lower-ranking Lu family but will be close to Lily, while Snow Flower is paired with a different household in Jintian. The girls persist in their nu shu lessons with Aunt. Aunt narrates the tale of the woman who established nu shu a millennium ago. A woman named Yuxiu, the emperor's concubine, invented the coded language to secretly communicate with her family, after being isolated and ridiculed by other women who belittled her calligraphy and embroidery. Aunt reinforces that nu shu will help them maintain a bond with their original families post-marriage. Upon turning thirteen, the girls witness an intensified feud between Madame Wang and Madame Gao. Madame Gao hints at a scandal involving Snow Flower's family, alluding to her father's pipe habit. Madame Gao is banished from the house by Mama, with Madame Wang instructing Lily not to mention the incident to Snow Flower. The time for Elder Sister's wedding arrives. Post-nuptials, she will stay with her birth family until she conceives, visiting her husband on occasion. Elder Sister, compliant by nature, complains about her in-laws' cruelty. Lily and Beautiful Moon empathize but think they will avoid such a fate. Aunt, typically the jester of the family, insists women must bear their destiny. As Elder Sister's tears continue, Mama affirms Aunt's words, reminding Elder Sister she must submit to her in-laws.
chapter 8
As Lily and Snow Flower reach the age of fifteen, their hairstyles change, signaling their impending marriages. During the Catching Cool Breezes Festival, a period when women return to their natal homes due to the scorching heat, Snow Flower comes to visit Lily. With Elder Sister about to have her baby and Beautiful Moon with her own companions, Lily and Snow Flower find themselves alone in the chamber. In an effort to beat the heat, they strip down to just their slippers during the night. Snow Flower writes the first line of a poem on Lily's stomach in nu shu, a secret language, which Lily recognizes and continues on Snow Flower's skin. Lily realizes how flawless Snow Flower's body is and they recite the remaining lines of the poem together. The poem, about a homesick scholar, signifies the bond between Snow Flower and Lily, as they consider each other their homes.
chapter 9
Following Beautiful Moon's return, the girls busy themselves creating clothes and other fabric items, gifted cloth from their future families aiding their task. They work beneath a canopy set up by Baba and Uncle, to escape the summer heat. A letter from Elder Sister, expressing unhappiness at her in-laws' place, makes Lily appreciate the custom of moving in only after pregnancy. During this time, they find Beautiful Moon gasping for breath, seemingly choked. Snow Flower rushes to get help, while Lily, spotting a dead bee on Beautiful Moon's needlework, deduces a bee sting. Expressing her love, Lily watches Beautiful Moon drawing her final breaths. Baba, Uncle, and Elder Brother arrive, deeply distressed, placing Beautiful Moon's lifeless body on the table. Snow Flower sends Elder Brother to fetch Aunt. Aunt, upon arrival, maintains a stoic silence watching over Beautiful Moon. Post burial, Aunt's mournful groans fill the air. Believing these to be Beautiful Moon's spirit visiting, Lily and Snow Flower construct a floral tower as a tribute. They place it on her grave, singing a nu shu hymn. This ritual brings them solace, though Aunt and Uncle's grief remains unabated.
chapter 10
Two years later, Snow Flower visits Lily to aid with her wedding preparations, deepening their bond. They receive a visit from Madame Wang, who recounts “The Tale of Wife Wang.” The tale relates the life of a woman who marries an unwelcome butcher in Buddhism and pleads with him to cease his animal slaughter. Ignoring her pleas, he continues, leading the King of the Afterworld to summon her for her virtue. She is reincarnated as a male with her actual name on her foot, and excels in life, eventually returning to her husband's village and revealing her identity. This leads to their family reaching nirvana. Lily interprets the tale as a prediction for her life, believing she can guide her husband wisely. After her own wedding, she's to assist with Snow Flower’s wedding preparations. Snow Flower expresses concern about Lily’s high expectations for her home and family. On the day of the formal lunch with Lily's family and in-laws, Lily is upset that her mother-in-law isn't wearing the shoes she knitted for her. She keeps this from Snow Flower to prevent disappointing her. That evening, Lily yearns for her mother’s guidance on her impending wedding night but receives only a reminder to be brave. Snow Flower reassures Lily that she'll be a great wife and mother. The following day, as Lily departs, Snow Flower gifts her their shared fan. While traveling to her husband's home, Lily sheds tears as she realizes she'll always be a guest there. She is perplexed by a note from Snow Flower that discloses secrets Lily will soon discover about her friend, sparking fear that Lily might stop loving her. Lily dismisses this, confident that nothing could change her feelings for Snow Flower. Upon reaching her in-laws' residence, Lily kneels before them, pledging her obedience. She then marries her husband and they celebrate. On their first night together, she finds him attractive and the act of him placing sleeping slippers on her feet more intimate than their lovemaking. The next morning, Lily rises early, troubled by Snow Flower's letter, and meets her maid, Yonggang. As she begins her chores, she anticipates a visit from her family to read her third-day wedding books. However, Lily is disheartened when Snow Flower does not show up.
chapter 11
During Lily's visit to Snow Flower's home, she is taken aback by the squalor. She is greeted by a woman in peasant attire who she mistakes for a servant, but is later introduced as Snow Flower's mother. Snow Flower reveals her family's past prosperity which diminished following the death of a previous emperor. Her father, the only son, was forced to sell their land to cover expenses and eventually succumbed to opium addiction. This addiction was the "pipe" referred to by Madame Gao, and the source of the house's foul smell. Snow Flower's aunt, Madame Wang, saved the family from complete ruin, which explains why Snow Flower fondly refers to her as "Auntie". In a shocking revelation, Snow Flower discloses that she is to marry a butcher, a fact that deeply upsets Lily. She feels deceived, as Snow Flower's letter and her absence from Lily's wedding had already diminished her joy. However, Lily redirects her anger towards Mama for misleading her about Snow Flower's situation. Before Snow Flower's wedding, Lily assists in cleaning the house and is shown Snow Flower's dowry. She notes the fabric from Snow Flower's old attire, which were originally her mother's. Lily admires how they used women's work to deceive men. After the wedding, she delivers Snow Flower's third-day wedding books to her new home, where she disapproves of the gathered women. Being the only one literate in nu shu, Lily reads the books, then returns home, where she makes entries on the fan about a phoenix rising above a rooster and a crying flower, to signify Snow Flower's marriage.
chapter 12
Upon her homecoming, Lily distances herself from her kin. Mama ultimately confronts her, to which Lily accuses her of concealing Snow Flower's situation. Mama justifies herself, stating she hid it for Lily's benefit and recalls the footbinding instance. Lily understands that the act was not of affection but driven by Mama's aspirations, vowing never to forgive her. A year into their marriages, Lily and Snow Flower rendezvous at Gupo temple, discussing plans for having children. A year later, Snow Flower announces her pregnancy to Lily, which leaves Lily feeling disgraced, considering her superior rank. Once Lily becomes pregnant, both friends visit the Gupo temple to wish for sons and promise to cherish each other's sons as dearly as they do each other.
chapter 13
Snow Flower informs Lily through a letter of her successful delivery of a healthy boy. Concurrently, Lily also becomes a mother to a son, thus solidifying her status in her family. Despite this, Lily's mother-in-law forbids her from inviting Snow Flower to her son's one-month celebration. Even so, the two women maintain their correspondence, largely unnoticed by Lily's husband due to the dismissive attitude men have towards women's writing. Lily, however, has to be cautious of her mother-in-law who persistently urges her to sever ties with Snow Flower. The letters from Snow Flower highlight the maltreatment she endures from her husband's family. Lily, upon realizing that Snow Flower's nu shu writings reflect her real-life experiences, comprehends the role of their secret language in giving them a distinct voice. Lily decides to invite Snow Flower to her native home for the Expel Birds Festival. Lily, while taking Snow Flower to her home, advises her to comply with her husband and in-laws for a peaceful household. Snow Flower discloses her second pregnancy to Lily, which surprises her as it indicates that Snow Flower and her husband didn't adhere to the traditional hundred-day wait post-birth before engaging in intercourse. One night, Snow Flower admits that she finds pleasure in sexual activities with her husband, a revelation that leaves Lily perplexed. Lily, after their departure, feels a sense of happiness for being able to spend time with Snow Flower. After a couple of months, a distressed Snow Flower shares the news of her stillborn daughter. Lily finds Snow Flower's grief puzzling as parents often feel relieved if a daughter is stillborn. Lily replies to Snow Flower, reassuring her that she now has another chance to bear a son. Three years later, Lily delivers another boy while Snow Flower mourns another stillborn daughter.
chapter 14
Snow Flower and Lily become mothers to daughters and despite their characters not aligning, they hope for a laotong bond between them. Later, Snow Flower has a second son amid national grief over the emperor's death and his son's succession. Uncle Lu loses his imperial job and talk of rebellions circulates amongst the men in Lily's family. Following the birth of her own son, Lily learns about the Taiping rebels from Snow Flower during a visit to her birthplace. Her husband forbids her from returning home if she continues discussing the rebels. Lily's husband decides to journey to a nearby province to buy salt for selling after a drought. Lily worries about the potential consequences of his death, including being sold to another family. When a typhoid epidemic hits the county, the Lu family isolates themselves. Lily takes care of Lady Lu during her illness until she passes away. After the epidemic, Lily discovers her own parents have also died. She is relieved when her husband safely returns with enough salt to alleviate their financial strain. Following the death of Lily's father-in-law while working in the fields, she and her husband ascend to the roles of Master and Lady Lu.
chapter 15
Lily gets a message from Snow Flower which prompts her to visit her friend. With no obligation to her mother-in-law anymore, she embarks on the journey. On the second evening, they're roused by the scent of a fire and the noise of people escaping. It turns out the emperor's soldiers are coming to battle the Taipings, with the conflict heading towards Jintian. Lily hopes to wait for a palanquin to take her back, but Snow Flower's spouse insists she not wait alone. They make their way in a cart as far as possible before embarking on a mountain trek. Lily's feet are in pain, yet she considers herself fortunate compared to other women with broken bound feet. They eventually find shelter under a tree with three other families. A woman named Lotus shares the tale of the Yao people, who took refuge in the mountains and plan to reconstruct their home soon. Lily contemplates whether they're dishonoring their forebears by not resisting the Taipings.
chapter 16
In the harsh mountain winter, Snow Flower's husband's knack for hunting and cooking animals becomes invaluable to their survival. His mother, however, remains cruel, depriving Snow Flower's eldest son of food. Lily steps in, sharing her own meals with the boy and tutoring him. She's stunned when Snow Flower and her husband continue their intimate relations amidst the harsh conditions, resulting in another pregnancy. Snow Flower proposes a match between their children, but Lily rejects the idea. Despite the grim circumstances, Lily observes a happiness in Snow Flower unseen for years. Tragically, after ten weeks, Snow Flower's second son passes away in his sleep. Her husband buries him, and when she asks where, he savagely beats her causing a miscarriage. Snow Flower barely speaks and is tended to by Lily and the other women. She reveals to Lily that she's been beaten after each of her five miscarriages and has longed for death. Her only response is clichéd advice about a woman’s role. Snow Flower shows Lily a fan she brought, fearing their death in the mountains. After three months, they finally return home. Lily begins to reassure Snow Flower of her unchanged perception of her, but is interrupted by the arrival of her husband. She happily greets him and declines Snow Flower's offer of the fan, meant to soothe her pain. Lily and her husband then depart for Tongkou.
chapter 17
Following the county's recovery from the war and illness, Lily and Snow Flower begin to see more frequently. Snow Flower, however, remains frail and introverted. Lily manages to convince her to attend a ceremony, despite her harsh circumstances. From an older perspective, Lily sees how she impatiently pushed Snow Flower to conform to tradition in order to improve her life. Shortly before the start of their daughters' footbinding, Lily receives a message from Snow Flower via a fan, revealing her inability to meet Lily's expectations and her new bond with three sworn sisters, leaving Lily crushed. Lily begins to scrutinize Snow Flower's flaws, particularly her deceit about her family and marriage. To shield herself, Lily decides to distance herself from Snow Flower, ignoring her messages. She constructs a flower tower and burns a letter to Snow Flower, a ritual they performed before. She starts her daughter's footbinding, venting her frustrations on the child. When Madame Wang delivers a fan suggesting a laotong relationship between their daughters, Lily rejects it and chastises Snow Flower. During the ceremony, Snow Flower sings a Letter of Vituperation, outlining her afflictions and accusing Lily of causing her and her daughter pain. In response, Lily composes her own Letter of Vituperation, accusing Snow Flower of seeking sympathy and being disloyal which she believes is the cause behind her ill-treatment from her husband's family. She reveals Snow Flower's secrets, including her enjoyment of intimacy with her husband, to which Snow Flower retorts that Lily expects too much of her. In her old age, Lily admits her actions towards Snow Flower were disgraceful, gaining her respect by showing how Snow Flower was below them. Lily's Song of Vituperation became a cautionary tale, broadcasting Snow Flower's shame.
chapter 18
Eight years later, Snow Flower’s daughter, Spring Moon, visits Lily to inform her that Snow Flower is gravely ill and asking for her. Fearful of the social implications if she doesn't visit, Lily swiftly plans a trip to her. Lily is devastated to find Snow Flower in such a poor state. Snow Flower expresses that her affection for Lily never wavered, and despite a sworn sister suggesting that Lily stop prolonging Snow Flower's suffering, Lily persists in seeking remedies. Lily recognizes the solace the sworn sisters provide Snow Flower while respecting her bond with Lily. One day, Yonggang, a servant, delivers items saved from the burnt flower tower, including their shared fan. As Snow Flower breathes her last, Lily reads their laotong agreement aloud and sings to her. Post Snow Flower’s funeral, the sworn sisters reveal that Snow Flower was never truly one of them. This surprises Lily, as she had misunderstood Snow Flower’s nu shu - Snow Flower had suggested the sworn sisters would love her unconditionally, not that she intended to join them. Lily is appalled by her own obstinacy and ignorance in misinterpreting the nu shu. The sworn sisters also disclose that Snow Flower had slept with her husband sooner than the customary hundred days after childbirth to make Lily happy, since Lily had implied happiness hinged on having more sons. They also accuse Lily of measuring Snow Flower's worth solely from a man's perspective and inform her that Snow Flower was already unwell during their mountain sojourn. Recollections of a frail and shabby Snow Flower flood Lily's mind, regretting that she had only scolded her to be more compliant. After returning home, Lily pens what she thinks to be her last message on the fan, expressing a hope to reunite with Snow Flower in the skies. Lily resolves to spend her remaining years contemplating how to atone for the wrongs done to her most cherished friend.
epilogue
Reflecting on the period following Snow Flower’s demise, Lily finds herself stepping into her shoes for Spring Moon’s wedding rites. However, Spring Moon ends her own life on her wedding evening. Subsequently, Lily convinces her husband to employ Snow Flower’s son and uplift his family's circumstances. Lily also orchestrates a deal with Madame Wang for Peony, Snow Flower’s granddaughter, to wed her eldest grandson. As a result, she takes charge of Peony’s learning and rejoices at the thought of her and Snow Flower’s lineage ruling the Lu household. Concurrently, Lily starts recording the life stories of female villagers at their request, intending to help them see the worth of their existence. This task stirs her own memories, mostly filled with regrets. She now uses her personal narrative to appeal for forgiveness from Snow Flower and those who witnessed her past behavior in the afterworld.
