NORWAY – A new reading and book discussion series focusing on China will start at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Norway Memorial Library. The series of five books, fiction and nonfiction, will be read monthly through May.

The first book to be read and discussed will be “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. The public is invited to participate, and books are available to purchase at the library’s circulation desk, or they also may be borrowed through the library’s information desk.

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” is historical fiction set in 19th century China. The story focuses on two friends whose lives intertwine from childhood through adulthood. They both endure the agony of footbinding and together prepare for their arranged marriages. Throughout their lives they communicate in “nu shu,” a secret language created by Chinese women, in which they share the joys and tragedies of their lives.

Lisa See lives in Los Angeles and is the author of four previous works, including “On Gold Mountain,” which is a history of the Chinese side of her family.

The series will continue with “River Town; Two Years on the Yangtze” by Peter Hessler, “Yeh Yeh’s House” by Evelina Chao, “Midnight at the Dragon Cafe” by Judy Fong Bates and “Sons of Heaven” by Terrence Cheng.

For more information or to sign up to participate, call the library at 743-5309 or visit the library’s Web site at www.norway.lib.me.us.

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