The Lotus Shoes

By Jane Yang

Two women navigate betrayal and survival in 1800s China, where art and ambition clash with deadly consequences.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 23,677 ratings

368 pages

$28.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1800s China, Little Flower, a talented maidservant with bound feet, dreams of freedom. Sold to the Fong family, her skills spark envy in Linjing, the daughter. When scandal forces them into the Celibate Sisterhood, Little Flower's artistry attracts dangerous attention from a nobleman. As the Sisterhood's rules threaten her life, will Linjing betray her or become an unexpected ally? Discover a tale of sisterhood, betrayal, and survival where every choice could mean life or death.

From the publisher

“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 AuschwitzAn 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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