This absorbing and fascinating novel takes place in the XIXth century China, in times of foot binding practice, when girl's worth was based solely on the size of her feet (the smaller, the better). These were very hard times for women, they were kept secluded, they had no rights, no voice. Their only purpose in life was to marry well, securing the position of their families. But to be able to marry well (or to marry at all) they were forced to undergo an excruciating and horrific foot binding process. It could either go well, resulting in an irreversible disfigurement. Or, in most cases, it could go wrong, resulting in a life-long disability or death. 
 The process of foot binding was very gruesome and sickening, I cringed while reading the passages describing it. I felt deeply sorry for the women of 19th century China. At the same time I feel I learned a lot from this novel, it broadened my perspective in many ways. It made me reflect upon the lives of Chinese women back then, as well as my own in the modern times. This book is a real eye-opener. 
 All that mentioned above is a background to an incredible tale of friendship between two Chinese girls, matched to be each other's "lao tong's" (old sames). They grow up together, build a life-long strong friendship filled with trust and love. They paint letters on the fan, embroider messages on the handkerchiefs. They share their stories, their struggles, fears, hopes and accomplishments. 
 Lise See did a really great job with this novel. It's beautifully written, evocative, captivating. The characters are portrayed so well, that we feel like we almost know these women and men, we feel for them and get emotionally attached to them. I found the story deeply disturbing, but also very enthralling and touching. 
 I highly recommend it, it's worth picking up.