Would recommend: No

I really liked Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, a previous novel by Lisa See, and so I picked this one off the shelves at the used book store during my most recent trip. Unfortunately, it was really disappointing; I believe I was one-third through the book when I thought aloud, "This is completely pointless."

Although I enjoyed the author's use of language, the plot was totally uncompelling to me. To be sure, I'm not the prime audience for a story about maidens wasting away out of lovesickness, but still. It was annoying. I wasn't sure if I'd even finish the book, but I decided to give it until the end of the weekend, and I finished it with a big eyeroll.

This book earned the 2-star rating because I can't give it 1.5 stars, and it really wasn't so bad as to earn 1 star. I was just so bored the whole time. I'm glad it's over.