February Flowers

Usually I pick books through friends’ recommendations and those that make the bestsellers list. But in this case, its attractive cover was what made me pick it up; little did I know that it turned out to be a really great find.

February Flowers captivated my attention from the first page, as the author, Fan Wu describes every detail and captures the vividness of everyday life in modern China from the protagonist’s (Chen Ming) point of view.

The main focus of the story is Ming’s journey blossoming from a girl into a woman, who after her divorce, relives memories of her younger days, which were filled with both happiness and sadness. However, her university days were the most important phase of her life, and the memories she had during that time will live on forever.

As the story goes back in time, I easily identified with the character of sixteen year old Ming, a first year university student. Away from her family, she had to fend for herself in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. Originally from a smaller province, she found herself lost in the big city and drowned herself in lessons, books and music.

Then she meets Miao Yan, a third year senior, who at twenty four is getting a little too old to still be on campus. Yan dresses provocatively, smokes and discards her boyfriends just as quickly as she changes her clothes. And although as different as night and day, somehow Ming and Yan instantly connect at their very first meet.

Their bond is different. They are simply best friends because they are so different from each other, and they form a two-way admiration. While Ming admires Yan’s ease with boys, Yan adores Ming’s vast knowledge of books and poetry.

Even best friends fight, and when Ming and Yan fight, it is usually over silly matters or when Yan is having a bad temper. What I like about these two friends is that even though they fight over small matters, either one of them will be outside the other’s dorm a few days later, waiting to apologize. They forgive each other easily as if nothing happened, while some friends I know keep grudges for years.

It is through their friendship that the innocent Ming learns how to become a real woman.  Through the days they spend shopping at expensive boutiques, exploring Shamian Island, and hanging out at the rooftop of their dormitory; Yan indirectly teaches Ming how to be a real woman, inward and outwardly.

Altogether, it was a totally enjoyable read, as the author always inserts a tinge of suspense. I found myself turning page after page, desperate to know what Yan would do next, since her actions always affects Ming in some way. Definitely recommended to those interested in the daily lives of women in modern China, and also for those who are still discovering the true meaning of becoming a woman.