Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Flower_and_the_Secret_Fan

http://home.comcast.net/~sherbornlibrary/mapsnowflower.htm#Novelist_Reading_Guide_

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_See

http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/China/04/hutchins/hutchins.htm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8966942

http://www.international.ucla.edu/shenzhen/2002ncta/miles/index.htm

What a lovely book. Yes, it was hard to read, but the language is exquisite.  The characters are so believable.  The story so moving. 

Chinese history at possibly its lowest point told in the most beautiful way.