Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada,  June 6, 2023

Format: ebook

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary (Goodreads):

The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China—perfect for fans of See’s classic Snowflower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.

According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient.

From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus, they tell themselves: from adversity beauty can bloom.

But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, pluck instruments, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.

How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts? Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.

My Review:

Read if you like: family saga, based off of real historical figures.
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The book follows Tan Yunxian, inspired by the true story of this historical figure. She grows up in a wealthy family during the Ming Dynasty of 15th century China. We follow her as she grows into a young woman and marries into a wealthy family, and then as she grows into a prominent female doctor.
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I loved reading about Lady Tan and 15th century China. She was so interesting and the historical detail in this book was superb. I appreciated the glimpses into family life and customs during this time period and Lady Tan was an amazing figure to learn from. I highly recommend this book.
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Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for the copy of this book.