The Lotus Shoes (2025) is the debut novel of Saigon born Australian writer Jane Yang.

Inspired by a family story, The Lotus Shoes is about 2 women living in 19th century China.

Little Flower is a maid with bound feet who as a 6-year-old was sold into Linjing’s wealthy family. She becomes Linjing’s servant.

Little Flower’s feet have been bound, but Linjing’s father has forbidden his daughter to have her feet bound even though the practice is considered a status symbol.

Linjing is therefore jealous of Little Flower who is highly skilled in embroidery too.

As the two girls grew up, they are in turns competing with each and friendly with each other.