Rating: 4 Stars

Format: E-book (ARC)

Genre: Historical Fiction

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Park Row Books for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 

The Lotus Shoes is a stunning story of struggle, loss, and resilience, set in 1800’s China. I thought the complex political, religious, and gendered dynamics at play were so interesting and well-executed. The way this book explored how both men and women within Chinese society at this time upheld patriarchal standards was nuanced and captivating. One of my favorite things about this genre is being immersed in a culture that I’m unfamiliar with and feel like I’m learning something as I watch these characters try to navigate the context they find themselves in. Jane Yang really captured that here.

Due to the treatment of slaves and women at the time, this book is sometimes BRUTAL. The practice of foot binding is hard to read about, and Little Flower’s time in slavery was not easy. There are moments of violence committed against the enslaved characters and basically constant misogyny that impacts all of the women throughout the story.

Speaking of, Little Flower is my GIRL. She was so intelligent and compassionate and determined. I loved following her story. She was put in so many difficult and impossible situations, but responded with grace and strength. Though I liked Linjing much less (actually she was infuriating, but I think that was intentional), I still appreciated her role within Little Flower’s journey. Both of their goals and motivations were very understandable and the way their desires clashed made for gripping conflict as they tried to find their own sense of security and purpose in a society that devalued them as women.

Some of the pacing was quite slow towards the beginning, but once I got a good sense of the characters and their motivations, I was much more invested and devoured the latter 60% or so in a day. I would highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction.