Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
By Lisa See
Published in 2005
“I am what they call in our village `one who has not yet died’–a widow, eighty years old. Without my husband, the days are long. I no longer care for the special foods that Peony and the others prepare for me. I no longer look forward to the happy events that settle under our roof so easily. Only the past interests me now. After all this time, I can finally say the things I couldn’t when I had to depend on my natal family to raise me or rely on my husband’s family to feed me. I have a whole life to tell; I have nothing left to lose and few to offend.”
Suggested by Karen Werth, Ottawa
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If you have suggestions for Opening Lines, mail a photocopy of the book cover, copyright page and opening paragraph to:
Assistant editor Terri Colby
Attention: Opening Lines
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Chicago Tribune
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Chicago, IL 60611
