The Lotus Shoes

By: Jane Yang

Narrated by: Catherine Ho, Katharine Chin

"Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time." —Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower's escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?

©2025 Jane Yang (P)2025 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Wonderful Listen

Well developed characters set in a compelling plot that highlights the struggles of women of all classes in 1890 China. Reminiscent of Lisa See’s Peony In Love and Snow Flower And The Secret Fan.
Excellent narration.

very good until the end

This story is intriguing and very well written. Characters are well developed, plot is interesting and unique, performance is good. I enjoyed the book until the ending, which was weak, inadequately explained and unsatisfying. However, the book is worth buying and reading.

Outstanding

The life I read about was outstanding and amazing. I loved learning about it. I give it two thumbs up!!

As an Asian American…wow!

I was born and raised in America, with Chinese/Korean parents. My grandpa‘s first wife, whom he thought had died during WWII, actually had bound feet and was found alive years after the war. By that point, my grandpa had already married my grandmother, thus having “two wives”. Probably sounds strange, but these were existential circumstances. And I had the lovely opportunity of meeting his first wife, in China, when I was a teenager. As customs were, I had to walk behind her. And she shuffled her feet, walking very slowly. It was a very sobering experience and one I’ll never forget. What a beautifully written book, I can see both sides of the story!

Such a good story

Such a good story. I started the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the story was going to go one way, when all of a sudden it took a turn and for the benefit of keeping the reader's attention. I have to say it was beautifully written and would keep the reader's attention throughout trying to determine what would happen. Never did I think it would become a love story, but in the end it was. I have to say it was very good!

Feminism in China

Well written, a part of China history not always discussed. Use of explicit dialog characteristic of the times.

I bought it on a daily deal

I wasn’t sure I would like it, as is not my usual genre, but I finished it at 3am much past my usual hour of sleep!! The story was ghastly, intriguing, heartbreaking and showed how contradictory humans are, that some people can change and that introspection is so important to determine who we are and who we want to be. I truly hope much of this is historical and documented practices are no longer. Is actually worth a credit!!

The Lotus Shoes, a must read!

The historical details and facts entwined in this story truly helped everything come alive. What a wonderful book, a real joy! Thanks to the author!

You won't regret this one.

Absolutely wonderful and engaging story eith fantastic narration! As someone who loves the study of women throughout time and the world, this book was a very interesting and knowledgeable read!

amazing

a really neat historical fiction book about the struggles of womanhood , sisterhood and societies predjiduces. good insight , good performance, good story . kind of like memoirs of a Geisha kind of like joy luck club , but it's own. you gotta read /listen to it you'll like it