Lady Tan's Circle of Women: A Novel Hardcover – June 6, 2023

Really loved this book. Great writing and intriguing plot. I could not put it down. Loosely based on a real woman, this book was meticulously researched and offers a detailed look at life in China in the late 1400's to the early 1500's.

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 prolific and talented writer and Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a remarkable, eye-opening book for a modern Westerner, male at that. What a different world, China, and China of 400 years ago. I usually find books about Chinese culture to be grim, and this is no exception, though it has a lighter spirit in its narrator that keeps it from excessive grimness. The back story of the book is as fascinating as the story within. Loved it.

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.

"Lady Tan's Circle of Women" is a triumph!Lisa See's meticulous research and evocative storytelling transport you to 15th-century China, immersing you in a world of tradition, societal constraints, and the unwavering strength of female bonds. This novel is a journey alongside the remarkable Tan Yunxian, a woman physician whose resilience and compassion will stay with you long after the final page. A truly stunning and unforgettable read that illuminates the enduring power of women supporting women across centuries.

A richly detailed look at the life of a noblewoman in 15th century China; a real noblewoman who, despite the customs of the time, became an influential doctor adept at treating other women. The historical and medical aspects of this book were fascinating, and while the plot isn't the most exciting, I found the story deeply compelling. A great read for anyone who is interested in this time period.

This novel is not only easy to read, it is informative, interesting, and well structured. Though set in China during the Ming dynasty, today it is sad to note how the lives of women remain so much the same: restricted, tiring, burdened by expectations even though conditions have improved through the ages. The book is not negative, just realistic in the particular way being a female is demanding.

Nothing heart stopping here. None of the characters really came alive for me. Not very vivid description, just lists of things.