The Lotus Shoes

Reviews / Votes

Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time -- HEATHER MORRIS, author of THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ Mesmerising. Jane Yang masterfully creates this 19th century lost world with the complicated customs that rule women's lives * THE TIMES, THE BEST HISTORICAL FICTION OF 2025 SO FAR * Heartbreaking and powerful. Set in 1800s China, this saga will completely transport you . . . Delving into class, gender, polygamous marriages and the practice of ancient foot-binding, this story of love, loss and betrayal will leave a deep imprint on your soul. Perfect for fans of Memoirs of a Geisha * WOMAN & HOME * The Lotus Shoes is a powerful story beautifully told. Little Flower and Linjing's story is complex, brutal, tragic, heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and satisfying. I feel I have learned a great deal about a place and period I knew very little about. Jane Yang is an exciting new talent and I can't wait to read more from her -- SANTA MONTEFIORE, author of SONGS OF LOVE AND WAR Yang's expert plotting and nuanced historical details result in an exceptional story that enchants from the first page to the last * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW * Set in 19th-century China, this fascinating, evocative story of two little girls with very different destinies would make a great book club pick * RED, THE MONTH'S BEST BOOKS * Captivating . . . An utterly compelling read * SUNDAY POST * Perfect for fans of Memoirs of a Geisha . . . beautifully evokes 19th century China * HELLO! * A captivating and exquisitely rendered novel that spans the last decades of 19th century China, as the country began its complex transition from a closed, imperial power to a modern nation, embracing Western ideas and influences. With deep research and elegant storytelling, The Lotus Shoes offers a fascinating look at the traditions of foot-binding, muizai, filial piety, and polygamy. For me, the centrepiece of the novel was the emotionally rich relationship between Linjing and Little Flower as it evolves over a lifetime and through multiple turns of fortune. I was invested in their story from the first page until the very last words. I so enjoyed this beautiful book -- MELISSA FU, author of PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING Set in 1800s China, this big, juicy saga has scandal, hardship, love and sisterhood * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, THIS MONTH'S 10 BOOKS TO READ RIGHT NOW * Captivating * HEAT * A fabulous read from the very first page, this is historical fiction at its absolute best. Yang's carefully crafted characters and intricately woven tale showed me a part of history I knew nothing about, and had me reading until midnight to discover the ending. This is easily one of the best books I've read in years, and the story of Linjing and Little Flower will stay with me for a long time to come. If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha, then you will love The Lotus Shoes -- SORAYA LANE, author of THE SAPPHIRE DAUGHTER I devoured this stunning debut. Yang's fascinating glimpse into 1800s China, the power plays between multiple wives in a wealthy household, the fixation on prized golden lotuses, and the heroine's exquisite embroidery 'painting' held me spellbound. I can't wait to recommend this novel to everyone I know! -- ALKA JOSHI, author of THE HENNA ARTIST I love novels that take me away from my everyday life into different cultures, societies and times, and I enjoyed every single page of The Lotus Shoes. It is a wonderful novel, embroidered with colour and skill -- ELIZABETH CHADWICK, author of THE SCARLET LION In some ways this story is about the plight of women in nineteenth century China but, more importantly, it's about their spirit - their courage to stand up for themselves and for one another in a world where slavery, foot-binding and polygamy try to diminish them. Jane Yang is a hugely talented writer whose elegant prose, eye for historical detail and storytelling prowess fully immerse the reader in her exceptional novel -- NATASHA LESTER, author of THE PARIS SECRET Gripping from the very first page until the very last, The Lotus Shoes is a spellbinding, educational and heartbreaking tale of survival and courage. More than a book, this novel is an act of liberation and empowerment for women everywhere -- NGUYEN PHAN QUE MAI, author of THE MOUNTAINS SING Stunning, transporting, unforgettable. The Lotus Shoes caught me hook, line and sinker from the first pages and Little Flower is the bravest character I've ever read. Jane Yang is going to be a star -- AMANDA GEARD, author of THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE Jane Yang gives us a fascinating insight into the lives of Chinese women in the 19th century, and a sweeping story wrapped around their pain, joy and tenacity. You'll love it! -- MANDY ROBOTHAM, author of A WOMAN OF WAR I very much enjoyed The Lotus Shoes, an enthralling tale of a bygone era -- JUDY NUNN, author of BLACK SHEEP The Lotus Shoes is a remarkable, transportive debut novel. Jane Yang has created multi-dimensional, rich characters in Little Flower and Linjing, young women who must make morally fraught choices in a world that gives them little option. A story about the sacrifices mothers must make and the persistence of their daughters despite overwhelming odds, The Lotus Shoes will sweep you up in a tangle of emotion -- E.M. TRAN, author of DAUGHTERS OF THE NEW YEAR Lush and sumptuous, The Lotus Shoes is a stunning exploration of female friendships, societal pressures, and identity in 1800s China. An epic piece of historical fiction with characters who will take up root in your heart, Yang weaves together shock, tragedy and hope in a story you won't soon forget -- ALLI PARKER, author of AT THE FOOT OF THE CHERRY TREE Stitched intricately together with vivid characters, fascinating historical insight, and a gripping story -- RACHEL LOUISE DRISCOLL, author of NEPHTHYS