Ciervo Blanco TERTULIA LITERARIA: Club de Lectura en Madrid

SOBRE EL LIBRO

TRES MUJERES UNIDAS POR UN PODEROSO ANHELO DE LIBERTAD.

Un fulgurante éxito editorial que ha permanecido durante meses en lo más alto de las listas de ventas tras conquistar a la crítica y al público.

Con cerca de medio millón de ejemplares vendidos en Francia y casi treinta traducciones en curso,La trenza fue uno de los fenómenos editoriales de 2017. En esta narración vibrante y conmovedora, Laetitia Colombani -guionista, directora y actriz de reconocido prestigio- aborda las historias de tres mujeres que, nacidas en continentes muy dispares, comparten unas ideas y sentimientos que las unen en un poderoso anhelo de libertad.

INDIA. En Badlapur, la intocable Smita sobrevive recogiendo los excrementos de una casta superior. Resignada a su condición, está decidida en cambio a que su hija no siga sus pasos: la pequeña irá a la escuela y su vida será digna y provechosa, aunque para ello Smita tenga que desafiar las normas establecidas.

ITALIA. A Giulia le encanta trabajar en el taller familiar, el último de Palermo que confecciona pelucas con pelo auténtico. Hubiera podido ir a la universidad, pero dejó el instituto con dieciséis años para iniciarse en los secretos de este oficio. Cuando su padre sufre un accidente y Giulia descubre que el negocio está al borde de la quiebra, afronta la adversidad con valentía y determinación.

CANADÁ. Sarah es una abogada de éxito en Montreal que lo ha sacrificado todo por su carrera: dos matrimonios fallidos y tres hijos a los que no ha visto crecer. Un día, tras caer desmayada en el transcurso de un juicio, Sarah comprende que su vida ha dado un vuelco y que deberá escoger lo que de verdad le importa.

Smita, Giulia y Sarah no se conocen, pero tienen en común el empuje y el tesón de las mujeres que rechazan lo que el destino les ha reservado y se rebelan contra las circunstancias que las oprimen. Como hilos invisibles, sus caminos se entrelazan, formando una trenza que simboliza la voluntad inquebrantable de vivir con esperanza e ilusión.

Reseñas:

«La autora traza con una habilidad asombrosa el retrato de tres mujeres que se rebelan contra su destino, tres historias que dejan entrever una humanidad frágil pero vibrante.»Le Figaro

«El fenómeno del momento.»Le Parisien

«Un homenaje a la fuerza de todas las mujeres.»Biba

«Las protagonistas deLa trenza tienen en común una fuerza y una determinación que las empujan a decidir cada instante de su vida en lugar de padecerlo. Son un modelo para todas nosotras.»Le Soir

SOBRE LA AUTORA

Laetitia Colombani (Burdeos, 1976) estudió cine en la escuela Louis-Lumière y dirigió su primera película con tan sólo veinticinco años. En poco tiempo, se ha consolidado como directora, guionista y actriz. Ha trabajado con intérpretes de la talla de Audrey Tautou, Emmanuelle Béart o Catherine Deneuve. Ha escrito La trenza (Salamandra, 2018), un best-seller internacional con más de dos millones de ejemplares vendidos y en curso de adaptación a la gran pantalla por la propia autora, y Las vencedoras (Salamandra, 2020).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Prepare to be transported to a world of breathtaking beauty, profound sorrow, and unbreakable bonds as we delve into Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This critically acclaimed novel, a New York Times bestseller and a favorite of book clubs worldwide, has captivated millions with its exquisite storytelling and deep dive into a fascinating, rarely seen aspect of Chinese history. See's meticulous research and evocative prose create a vivid tapestry of 19th-century rural China, drawing readers into the intimate lives of women bound by a unique and secret language.

At the heart of the story is the lifelong friendship between Lily and Snow Flower, two girls who, from the age of seven, are paired as "laotong" or "old friends" – a bond considered as strong as marriage. Through a secret language known as nu shu, written on a fan, they share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and the harsh realities of their lives, including the painful tradition of foot-binding. This novel is more than just a historical account; it's a poignant exploration of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the enduring power of female connection in a society where women had few freedoms but found strength in each other.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan has garnered widespread praise for its powerful narrative and its ability to shed light on a hidden world. It was a finalist for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) and has been translated into numerous languages, cementing its status as a modern classic. Readers consistently praise See's ability to create deeply empathetic characters and a story that resonates long after the final page is turned, prompting reflection on themes of love, duty, and the choices we make.

We invite you to join us for a rich and engaging discussion about Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Come prepared to share your thoughts on Lily and Snow Flower's journey, the complexities of their friendship, and the striking historical context. This is more than just a story; it's an experience that will challenge your perspectives and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa See is a highly acclaimed American author known for her compelling historical novels, often set in China and exploring the lives of Chinese and Chinese American women. Born in Paris in 1955, she spent much of her upbringing in Los Angeles, particularly in its Chinatown, which deeply influenced her work. See's heritage, with her paternal great-grandfather being Chinese, has been a significant inspiration for her storytelling.

Among her most important works are her first book, the non-fiction On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family (1995), which traces her own family history. Her fiction novels include Flower Net (1997), The Interior (1999), Dragon Bones (2003), Peony in Love (2007), Shanghai Girls (2009), The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane (2017), The Island of Sea Women (2019), and Lady Tan's Circle of Women (2023). Lisa See has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to literature, including the National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women in 2001, and the Chinese American Museum's History Makers Award in 2003. Many of her books have been New York Times bestsellers and translated into dozens of languages.

Her widely celebrated novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2005), is a testament to See's dedication to historical accuracy and profound character development. To research the secret women's language of nu shu, central to the novel, See traveled to a remote area of China, reportedly being only the second foreigner to visit. This meticulous research allowed her to depict the intricate details of 19th-century Chinese women's lives, including the challenging practice of foot-binding, and the deep, enduring bonds of "laotong" friendships. The novel's success is reflected in its critical acclaim, various awards including an Honor Book for the Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature, and its adaptation into a feature film.