Publisher's Synopsis
The story of two extraordinary women surviving in a time of strict rules and ancient customs Humble farmer's daughter Lily is no ordinary girl. If properly bound, her feet will be flawless and in 19th century China, where a woman's eligibility is judged by the shape and size of her feet, this is extraordinary good luck. Lily now has the power to make a good marriage and change the fortunes of her family. But first she must undergo the agonies of footbinding, learn nu shu, the secret women's writing, and a girl will be chosen as her "old-same", a relationship almost akin to marriage. Lily's "old-same", Snow Flower, comes from a refined family. Even though their worlds are far apart they develop a deep bond through their letters written in nu shu. Lily and Snow Flower find comfort in their friendship. But when they come of age to be married, a misunderstanding threatens to change everything.
