 |
| Lisa See |
The first book that I read by this author was "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and I really enjoyed the novel, because you learn so much about how Chinese women lived in the past.
The story took place in 1823. Lily, at 80, is reflecting on her life. Foot binding is described in detail, as well as another form of 'binding' called 'Laotong'. This is a relationship between two women that is very strong and formal, lasting for life. A woman could only have one 'laotong'. Often that relationship was formed
when two baby girls were born and the matchmaker would match them by their astrological signs, similar to an arranged marriage. Frequently, the girls would develop a private language used only for communicating between the two of them, so that no one else could understand.
As you can imagine, life circumstances sometimes strained or broke those commitments, as in the case of Lily and Snow Flower. But when Snow Flower was dying, she asked for Lily.
It was fascinating to read about women's lives in China during that time- their inferior status, their ceremonies and rituals, and the superstitions of daily life.
Quote: "Only through pain will you have beauty. Only through suffering will you have peace."
This month, our library book club is reading Lisa See's latest book, "The Island of Sea Women". Although the word 'laotong' is not used, this novel is also about the friendship of women and two in particular- Young-sook and Mi-ja.
This story takes place from 1938 to 2008.
It is also about 'haenyeo'- women divers, who make a living from the sea, while their husbands stay home and care for the children- a matrilineal society.
This novel takes place on the island of Jeju, south of Korea.
The language is amazing and the characters are extremely well-developed. It was a difficult life and there is considerable violence in the novel. This is a novel that you will not soon forget.
Isn't the cover wonderful? It clearly reflects the heart of the novel.
 |
| Alan Brennert |
I really enjoy the novels of this author. He is able to describe big historical events using intimate family stories. Click here to read about two of them: "Moloka'i" and "Honolulu".
"Moloka'i" was written in 2004 and was very popular, but it was 15 years before Alan Brennert followed up with "Daughter of Moloka'i", and I was delighted to find it on the library shelves.
"Moloka'i" is the story of Rachel Kalama, who grew up in a leprosy colony in Hawaii, gave birth to a baby girl, who was taken from her at birth and isolated for a year to see if she carried leprosy. Since she was a healthy baby, she was moved to an orphanage, where she was adopted by loving Japanese parents.
She grew up with three brothers and hard-working parents. However, during World War II, they were interned at Manzanar Relocation Camp.
There is great detail about this camp. There is also an understanding of Japanese culture throughout this book, based strongly in 'honour'. Fascinating characters!
The book follows this baby, Ruth, who had been born in the leprosy colony. In middle age, she discovered not only her birth mother, but a part of her heritage.
Because of the love developed throughout the story, there are bound to be tears- of joy, of sadness. There is a lot of emotion in this book and I enjoyed it!
