READ & REVIEWED: The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

A vivid portrait of 19th century China, The Lotus Shoes is a compelling adult historical fiction with told through the eyes of two women struggling to rise above their fates.

“I had not, until now, understood that in this world only men had the freedom to act, to roam, to live.”

Set in 19th-century China, Little Flower, a talented yet ill-fated girl, is sold to the Fong household as a slave—a muizai—to serve Linjing, her spoiled and headstrong young mistress. Initially adversaries, the two girls' lives become intricately intertwined as they forge a tentative yet fragile bond against the backdrop of a misogynistic and class-divided society.

Jane Yang weaves a compelling narrative and masterfully paints a vivid portrait of the era, capturing the struggles of women in a world dominated by foot-binding, polygamy, and patriarchy. Told through the alternating perspectives of Little Flower and Linjing, I was engrossed in the characters' journey from childhood to adulthood, and through the tragedy that strikes Linjing’s family, forever altering the paths of the protagonists.

“The former muizai in me begged to flee, but I stayed, for it was time I chased my dreams rather than surrender to the roles society and Fate had allotted to me.”

Being a Chinese speaker, the naming of some characters—such as Valiant Li and Noble Chan—was a tad jarring for me, but this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of this captivating story. Ultimately, this is a story about courage, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

Thank you @experal.hq for recommending and sending me this newly-released title. This book can be purchased from Experal Singapore's Shopee store at https://s.shopee.sg/6VBCDrzK1i . Thanks to Experal, we're giving away a copy of this newly-released adult fiction! Do hop over to my Instagram page to join https://www.instagram.com/p/DJqzkJlz33q/?img_index=1 😉

Disclaimer: The book was provided by Experal Singapore for our review. As always, all opinions are ours.

©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.