The Lotus Shoes

(Hardback, Large Print Edition)

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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 maidservanta muizaito 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 Flowers artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her lifethe Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her 

Reviews

"Yang debuts with a fascinating portrayal of ambition and cruelty in 19th-century Chinaexpert plotting and nuanced historical details result in an exceptional story that enchants from the first page to the last." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Yang paints lush landscapes in this coming-of-age tale about sisterhood, love, and status. A stunning debut for historical-fiction fans who appreciate complicated female leads."

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Author Bio

JANE YANG was born in the Chinese enclave of Saigon and raised in Australia, where she grew up on a diet of superstition and family stories from Old China. Despite establishing a scientific career, first as a pharmacist and later as a clinical researcher, she is still sometimes torn between modern, rational thinking and the pull of old beliefs in tales that have been passed down through her family. These tales are an inspiration for Yang. Writing about women in pre-Communist China, she explores the theme of power and class struggles, sometimes adding a dash of suspense, spirits and hauntings.