Lady Tan's Circle of Women: A Novel

It's a bit of a shame that as a Chinese, I had never heard of Ms. Tan until I read this book by Lisa, written in English. This realization underscores the irony of discovering an important figure from my own cultural heritage through a foreign language, highlighting how some aspects of Chinese history may remain underappreciated or overlooked, even among its people. The book not only introduces Ms. Tan but also sheds light on the harsh realities of ancient Chinese society, including the painful practice of foot-binding. This custom, though shocking to modern sensibilities, was once willingly endured by many women who believed it enhanced their beauty and social standing to please their husbands or secure better marriage prospects. Such practices reflect the deeply patriarchal nature of ancient China, where women were often reduced to the role of childbearing and domestic servitude, their value tied to their ability to fulfill societal expectations rather than their individual aspirations. Traditional Chinese culture placed significant emphasis on filial piety, requiring sons to show profound respect and obedience to their parents, including their mothers. In ancient China, love was rarely a factor in marriage, as unions were typically arranged by parents, leaving individuals with little agency in choosing their life partners. Marriage was akin to a lottery. This book offers far more than an introduction to Ms. Tan or Chinese medical traditions. It serves as a window into the intricate web of customs, rules, and societal norms that governed life in ancient China. From the rigid expectations placed on women to the complex interplay of duty and tradition within families, the text provides a vivid and thought-provoking exploration of a world that, while distant, continues to shape modern Chinese identity. Through this book, readers gain not only knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine but also a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical forces that defined an era.

This is the story of Ancient China’s culture and social customs. According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman” but in this story Yinxian, born into an elite family is raised by her grandparents to be of use. There are only a handful of female doctors in China and Yunxian’s grandmother is one of them and teaches her the pillars of Chinese medicine. She teaches her to work with female patients, which is something a man can never do. The story is how Yunxian was brought up, her arranged marriage, her bound feet, her struggles to birth a son and the story of women helping other women. It is about love, friendship, grief, the desperation of females during this dynasty and her remarkable life. I enjoyed this story. I love to be fully engrossed in a story so rich in history and language. The beginning is a bit slow, as the world building and the young age of Yunxian takes up the first 25% of the book, but it shortly thereafter moves into more depth and dimension while showing us the experiences in which she is living. This is a highly character driven and detail oriented story. The characters are mostly women, and their connections during the best and worst times of their lives. The action takes forefront in the later part of the book. It is well researched, immersive in historical information and vividly describes the people, clothes, food, tea, and atmosphere, living environments. The relationship to their men and children and especially to each other, which I enjoyed very much. She lived an adventure that was very interesting to read. It makes us enjoy what we have and who we are as women now.

Lisa See is a writer I read often. Her historically based writing is well researched, vernacular on point, and content fascinating. I appreciate the settings and locale are well described, and women are featured as protagonists. While most of the main-character-women featured in her books have come from a culture of subjugation and hardship, I am uplifted to read of their strength, determination, and ingenuity. In this story the women who band together -counting on their "sisters"- for support and direction, most often experience positive change and forward movement. While this book is at times hard to read, (the custom of foot binding is unimaginable) See's candid detail of the power AND powerlessness of women is both hopeful and invigorating.

Lisa See has opened our eyes to a true history and saga of generations of Chinese women alive around 500 years ago. The focus is on women caring for women through midwifery, herbal remedies, and treatments learned through personal study, recording cases, and passing this on generation to generation. The reader is swept up in the rituals of women in every class of life, every fortune and misfortune. The practice of footbinding is at its peak and it is also not without need for serious medical attention. The details of scenes surrounding this as well as labor and delivery show a gradual but hopeful passage. Male physicians who could not see or touch their female patients had largely useless/harmful remedies for crises in labor and delivery. This new circle of women, giving each other courage and the wisdom of shared knowledge, did know how to help. And help they did, from the tiller lady to the empress of China. Did not see that coming in the male-centric power structure which was the backbone of most of the story. The characters were so well described and developed along the plot lines. They had real staying power. This was a fascinating read, much more in depth and broader than I expected. Definitely recommend!

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction that gave an interesting look into the possible way women lived during the time and some Eastern Medicine practices. This story made me smile and cry many times. It is well written and easy to read.

I absolutely loved this and could hardly put it down. Lisa See really takes you into the lives of women in 15th century China. Although this is fiction, it's based on a real woman - China's first female doctor. That said (spoiler alert coming up now!) .... you'll find it was really her grandmother who was the first doctor. This book encouraged me to research themes like foot binding, eunuchs, concubines, and traditional Chinese medicine. Lisa See's writing style is exquisite and beautiful. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!

Great book! I couldn't put it down. A very visual story, easy to follow, with interesting and relatable characters. Friendship, love, murder, mystery... this novel has everything. Will be reading more from this author.

The reviews about this book drew me in and I am so glad that I did purchase it. An interesting and thought provoking story about a true historical character, a female doctor and her medical practices/studies. Having recently returned from a trip to Japan, the detail about the Chinese culture, dress, class and beliefs was fascinating and enriched the story. It was a delight to read and I thoroughly recommend the novel.

“Illness comes not only from the body but from the spirit.” These words by Lisa See encapsulate the soul of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, a beautifully woven tale of resilience, love, and the bonds of sisterhood in imperial China. Inspired by the life of Tan Yunxian, a historical woman physician, this novel immerses readers in a world where medicine, tradition, and patriarchy collide. From her privileged upbringing to her unexpected journey into medicine, Lady Tan’s life is both restricted by her time and enriched by her determination to heal. At its heart, this book is about connection—particularly the strength women can offer each other in a world intent on silencing them. Yunxian’s bond with Meiling, her midwife-turned-best friend, is central to her journey. “A circle of women strengthens and protects,” Meiling tells her, a sentiment that shapes Yunxian’s outlook and her courage to defy the expectations imposed upon her. Lisa See brings 15th-century China to life with vivid, meticulous detail. Readers are transported to lush gardens, bustling markets, and hushed sickrooms where “illness is both a curse and a puzzle.” The immersive narrative also uncovers themes of class, gender, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge. Yunxian’s resilience in pursuing her calling, even as society tries to confine her to the four walls of womanhood, is truly inspiring. As she reflects, “I cannot change the world, but I can change a life.” These words echo her lasting impact as a healer and the profound emotional weight of her story. Lisa See crafts a tale as intricate and meaningful as Yunxian’s medicinal cures—a celebration of tradition, rebellion, and the unyielding power of women’s solidarity.

Me fascinó como describe los usos y costumbres en China del s.15, y el rol de la mujer y, en contraste, la historia de la protagonista: una mujer médico.