The Lotus Shoes

The Lotus Shoes is a debut set in late 19th-century China. It's the story of two girls, Little Flower, a farmer's daughter sold into slavery, and Linjing, the family that owns her. The heart of the novel is their complicated relationship, marked by cruelty and jealousy but also by moments of kindness. This dynamic makes both characters feel real.

At the heart of the conflict is a culture that pits women against each other. Bound feet, marriage prospects, and social standing determine everything - and Yang uses these details to expose just how little room women had to survive, let alone thrive. It's a difficult read at times, but also deeply moving and memorable.