About
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 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?"I devoured this stunning debut! Yang's fascinating glimpse into 1800s China, the power plays between multiple wives in a wealthy household, the fixation on prized golden lotuses, and the heroine’s exquisite embroidery “painting” held me spellbound. I can’t wait to recommend this novel to everyone I know!" —Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist
“Captivating and exquisitely rendered… For me, the centerpiece of the novel was the emotionally rich relationship between Linjing and Little Flower as it evolves over a lifetime and through multiple turns of fortune. I was invested in their story from the first page until the very last words. I so enjoyed this beautiful book!” —Melissa Fu, award-winning author of Peach Blossom Spring
“Embroidered with color and skill, The Lotus Shoes brings the turning world of nineteenth-century China to life, with the conflicts between traditional and modern attitudes handled with sureness and compassion. I enjoyed it immensely.” —Elizabeth Chadwick, bestselling author of The King's Jewel
"Jane Yang gives us a fascinating insight into the lives of Chinese women in the nineteenth century, and a sweeping story wrapped around their pain, joy and tenacity. You'll love it!" —Mandy Robotham, USA TODAY bestselling author of The War Pianist
“The Lotus Shoes is a powerful story, beautifully told. Little Flower and Linjing’s story is complex, brutal, tragic, and heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting and satisfying. I feel I have learned a great deal about a place and period I knew very little about. Jane Yang is an exciting new talent and I can’t wait to read more from her.” —Santa Montefiore, bestselling author of The Secret of the Irish Castle
“The Lotus Shoes is about the plight of women in nineteenth-century China, and more importantly their spirit—their courage to stand up for themselves and each other in a world where slavery, foot-binding and polygamy try to diminish them. Yang's elegant prose, eye for historical detail and storytelling prowess fully immerse the reader in her exceptional novel.” —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Three Lives of Alex St. Pierre
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?"I devoured this stunning debut! Yang's fascinating glimpse into 1800s China, the power plays between multiple wives in a wealthy household, the fixation on prized golden lotuses, and the heroine’s exquisite embroidery “painting” held me spellbound. I can’t wait to recommend this novel to everyone I know!" —Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist
“Captivating and exquisitely rendered… For me, the centerpiece of the novel was the emotionally rich relationship between Linjing and Little Flower as it evolves over a lifetime and through multiple turns of fortune. I was invested in their story from the first page until the very last words. I so enjoyed this beautiful book!” —Melissa Fu, award-winning author of Peach Blossom Spring
“Embroidered with color and skill, The Lotus Shoes brings the turning world of nineteenth-century China to life, with the conflicts between traditional and modern attitudes handled with sureness and compassion. I enjoyed it immensely.” —Elizabeth Chadwick, bestselling author of The King's Jewel
"Jane Yang gives us a fascinating insight into the lives of Chinese women in the nineteenth century, and a sweeping story wrapped around their pain, joy and tenacity. You'll love it!" —Mandy Robotham, USA TODAY bestselling author of The War Pianist
“The Lotus Shoes is a powerful story, beautifully told. Little Flower and Linjing’s story is complex, brutal, tragic, and heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting and satisfying. I feel I have learned a great deal about a place and period I knew very little about. Jane Yang is an exciting new talent and I can’t wait to read more from her.” —Santa Montefiore, bestselling author of The Secret of the Irish Castle
“The Lotus Shoes is about the plight of women in nineteenth-century China, and more importantly their spirit—their courage to stand up for themselves and each other in a world where slavery, foot-binding and polygamy try to diminish them. Yang's elegant prose, eye for historical detail and storytelling prowess fully immerse the reader in her exceptional novel.” —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Three Lives of Alex St. Pierre