The Lotus Shoes: A Captivating Historical Fiction of Women's Struggles and Triumphs in Imperial China
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
"Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time." --Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz
An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.
1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant--a muizai--to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.
Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.
But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower's artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life--the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?
"Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time." --Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz
An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.
1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant--a muizai--to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.
Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.
But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower's artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life--the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?
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Community Reviews
It is rare that I am so deeply effected and triggered by such visuals, but do not google what little lillies are. It was hard to get the image out of my head as I read the first half and Little Flower's desire keep her cherished (outdated) heritage and birth rite. It was really the second half of the book that I finally felt the draw and attachment. You can feel the well written words of the author the whole storyline but I felt like the interest of the plot picks up only once we meet the sisterhood, and only to the character, Little Flower. This would be a good bookclub read.
Book 4 of 2025 is The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang and WOW, what a journey! What started out as an audio book quickly turned into me rushing to grab the hardback because I just HAD to have it on my shelf.
Set in 19th century China, this beautifully written saga unfolds the harrowing tale of two young girls—one sold into slavery the other her mistress. It dives deep into the dark corners of human experience: love, betrayal, jealousy, and the powerful act of forgiveness.
Jane Yang masterfully weaves a narrative that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The imagery lingers, and the characters come alive, compelling you to reflection the complexities of their lives and your own.
If you’re looking for a book that resonates beyond the pages, The Lotus Shoes is it!
I really enjoyed this book. To witness the growth of both women was very inspiring. Both their journeys are heartbreaking, one more than the other. I loved Little Flower so much more throughout the whole book.
I enjoyed this story and learned something new as I was not aware of the history of the Lotus Shoes. This was an eye opening book that I could not put down. It explores the strength and resilience of women but also the levels of betrayal some will take for self gratification. The characters are multilayered, some facing the worse circumstances. It questions and tests the lengths of humanity and redemption.
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