At its heart, Lisa See's latest novel is a story of sisters: Pearl and May are inseparable best friends, who share hopes, dreams and a deep connection. But like sisters everywhere, they know exactly where to drive the knife so that it hurts the most --- which also makes it a tale of terrible sacrifices, impossible choices and one devastating secret.

In nineteenth-century China, seven-year-old Lily is paired with a laotong, "old same," in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. They communicate in a secret written language, and together they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood --- until a misunderstanding arises and threatens to tear apart.