English BOOK CLUB - Novels reading and discussion

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this unforgettable international bestseller, three women from very different circumstances around the world find their lives intertwined by a single object and discover what connects us—across cultures, across backgrounds, and across borders.

In India, Smita is an untouchable. Desperate to give her daughter an education, she takes her child and flees her small village with nothing but resourcefulness, eventually heading to a temple where she will experience a rebirth.

In Sicily, Giulia works in her father’s wig workshop, the last of its kind in Palermo. She washes, bleaches, and dyes the hair provided by the city’s hairdressers, which is now in short supply. But when her father is the victim of a serious accident, she discovers that the company’s financial situation is dire. Now she must find a way to save her family’s livelihood.

In Canada, Sarah is a successful lawyer and twice-divorced mother of three children whose identity is wrapped up in her work. Just as she expects a big promotion, her life is shattered when she’s diagnosed with cancer.

A moving novel of hope and renewal, The Braid is a celebration of womanhood and the power of connection and perseverance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laetitia Colombani is a writer, screenwriter, director, and actress. She also writes for the theatre. La Tresse was published in 2017 in France and under the title The Braid in the UK, U.S.A., and Canada.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Prepare to be transported to a world of breathtaking beauty, profound sorrow, and unbreakable bonds as we delve into Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This critically acclaimed novel, a New York Times bestseller and a favorite of book clubs worldwide, has captivated millions with its exquisite storytelling and deep dive into a fascinating, rarely seen aspect of Chinese history. See's meticulous research and evocative prose create a vivid tapestry of 19th-century rural China, drawing readers into the intimate lives of women bound by a unique and secret language.

At the heart of the story is the lifelong friendship between Lily and Snow Flower, two girls who, from the age of seven, are paired as "laotong" or "old friends" – a bond considered as strong as marriage. Through a secret language known as nu shu, written on a fan, they share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and the harsh realities of their lives, including the painful tradition of foot-binding. This novel is more than just a historical account; it's a poignant exploration of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the enduring power of female connection in a society where women had few freedoms but found strength in each other.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan has garnered widespread praise for its powerful narrative and its ability to shed light on a hidden world. It was a finalist for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) and has been translated into numerous languages, cementing its status as a modern classic. Readers consistently praise See's ability to create deeply empathetic characters and a story that resonates long after the final page is turned, prompting reflection on themes of love, duty, and the choices we make.

We invite you to join us for a rich and engaging discussion about Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Come prepared to share your thoughts on Lily and Snow Flower's journey, the complexities of their friendship, and the striking historical context. This is more than just a story; it's an experience that will challenge your perspectives and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa See is a highly acclaimed American author known for her compelling historical novels, often set in China and exploring the lives of Chinese and Chinese American women. Born in Paris in 1955, she spent much of her upbringing in Los Angeles, particularly in its Chinatown, which deeply influenced her work. See's heritage, with her paternal great-grandfather being Chinese, has been a significant inspiration for her storytelling.

Among her most important works are her first book, the non-fiction On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family (1995), which traces her own family history. Her fiction novels include Flower Net (1997), The Interior (1999), Dragon Bones (2003), Peony in Love (2007), Shanghai Girls (2009), The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane (2017), The Island of Sea Women (2019), and Lady Tan's Circle of Women (2023). Lisa See has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to literature, including the National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women in 2001, and the Chinese American Museum's History Makers Award in 2003. Many of her books have been New York Times bestsellers and translated into dozens of languages.

Her widely celebrated novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2005), is a testament to See's dedication to historical accuracy and profound character development. To research the secret women's language of nu shu, central to the novel, See traveled to a remote area of China, reportedly being only the second foreigner to visit. This meticulous research allowed her to depict the intricate details of 19th-century Chinese women's lives, including the challenging practice of foot-binding, and the deep, enduring bonds of "laotong" friendships. The novel's success is reflected in its critical acclaim, various awards including an Honor Book for the Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature, and its adaptation into a feature film.