The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

 

 Set in 1800s China, Little Flower is sold into slavery to a wealthy family of Fong.

The father of the Fong family arranges a marriage for his daughter Linjing. The father chooses a progressive family who doesn’t want a bride with bound feet. This creates jealousy as Little Flower has bound feet as her mother hoped that would help her in the future. Not only that, Little Flower is excellent at embroidery, the talent that Linjing lacks.

A betrayal leads to dire consequences for Little Flower, scaring her physically for life. And Linjing’s arranged marriage makes her rethink her strategy as she will need a loyal ally in the new household of her future husband. She starts seeing the right ally in Little Flower, but is it too late to tilt the scale and gain her confidence?

Little Flower tries to put the grief and loss aside and reach a new harmony in her life, but can she get passed sufferings to trust Linjing? At the same time, Linjing suffers unexpected betrayal from the person she trusted the most. As both girls suffer betrayals will that be the bridge between them?

This character-driven story captivates with characters that are flawed, complex, and driven. As they progress with their lives, they expose societal constrictions and pressure, and expose their actions through their thoughts.

The story has some grievances and unexpected twists and turns which makes the story very absorbing. The scenes are not descriptive but at the same time they have a power of cutting through with the pain one experiences. The prose is eloquent, sharp and engaging carrying the story with appealing pace.

This beautifully crafted story touchingly weaves the lives of two human spirits who search for their identity, in the process learning resilience and self-confidence.

Released in January 2025

Source: Harlequin Trade Publishing