'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' by Lisa See - Book Club Discussion Questions

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is the story of two girls in nineteenth century China and their friendship from age seven. Lily narrates the story as an old woman, relating how her friendship with Snow Flower grew and then fell apart with a major betrayal. Use these book club discussion questions on Snow Flower and the Secret Fan to lead a discussion with your reading group.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Finish the book before reading on.

1. What did you learn about nineteenth century China?

2. Why do you think women continued subjecting their daughters to foot-binding despite knowing firsthand the intense pain and risks?

3. "Mother love" is described as a mix of "love" and "pain." Do you think that sort of mother love still exists today?

4. Beautiful Moon's sudden death, the typhoid outbreak and the exile to the mountains weave tragedy throughout the story. How do death and the rituals surrounding it shape the characters and culture? How is that different in our society?

5. Do you think Lily's betrayal was an understandable mistake? Did the way she treated Snow Flower change your opinion of her?

6. Does Lily make atonement with the way she treats Snow Flower's family after she dies?

7. The book is divided into the stages of a woman's life: Daughter Days, Hair-Pinning Days, Rice-and-Salt Days, and Sitting Quietly. If you were to name the stages of a modern woman's life, what would they be?

8. What is the significance of nu shu?

9. Do you have an "old same" or "sworn sisterhood"? In what ways are your friendships like those described in the book?

10. Rate Snow Flower and the Secret Fan on a scale of 1 to 5.