The Lotus Shoes tells the story of Linjing and her slave Little Flower. Told through their alternating narratives, readers learn much about the caste system in the 1800’s in China, the importance of bound feet, what it is like to be sold into slavery at a very young age, and how chauvinistic the Chinese culture was back then. Linjing is a mercurial mistress. Some times she wants to be Little Flower’s friend, other times she is cruel and manipulating with little empathy for what the life of a slave must be like. Little Flower is a skilled embroiderer, and this talent will eventually help her rise above her station.

Jane Yang’s debut novel is a good, engrossing “women’s” book. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and want to learn more about life in China years ago.