Cindi
asked
Lisa See:
In your recent novel about Lady Tan, the practice of foot binding is discussed. I think you did a great job of showing the whys and the effects but you never addressed something i have read about the practice - that it was also done because it was believed to tighten thigh muscles to enhance sexual pleasure for men. You also didn't explain why men were attracted to aroma of the feet .. what aroma?
Lisa See
Yes, the tightening of thigh muscles was one of many reasons that footbinding was popular. But who knows why men were attracted to the aroma? That's a real mystery to me. (What can I say except men are men...) The reason there was an aroma was that the feet were tightly wrapped for four days. China can be very hot and humid, so you can imagine how things began to smell. I'm guessing that the powders and perfumes designed to mask the smells contributed to a unique aroma.
More Answered Questions
TanjanTarinat
asked
Lisa See:
Have you ever felt difficult finding your own identity in mixed environment (american vs. chinese)? I am half indian, half finnish and facing this kind of puzzle. I enjoy your books, especially Shangai Girls where chinese sisters moved to America and settled down there and less or more found their place there. And for last question, have you ever studied history in university or you study everything on your own?
Sara
asked
Lisa See:
Dear Lisa, In your book on the women sea divers. You used a quote "falling down nine times and getting up eight." I'm familiar with this quote in Japanese culture as nanakorobi, yaoki which means fall down seven times, get up eight. Can you explain the origin of this quote? Thank you.
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