This historical novel inspired by a real woman physician in 15th century China has everything: close friendships between women, a difficult mother-in-law, gossipy concubines, wise grandparents, spinster aunties, court intrigue, murder mystery, exquisite clothing descriptions, a detailed perspective of foot binding practices, illnesses and the corresponding TCM treatments of that time — the list goes on. Throughout all that’s happening, the love and complex relationships among the women lifts this story in a way that was emotional without being mawkish.

I started this book early on a Saturday morning with the intention of stretching it out over the weekend, but ended up devouring it in a day because I couldn’t put it down. It was easy to visualize the world of Lady Tan thanks to See’s storytelling style. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her oeuvre. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in historical medicine, is intrigued by this time period, or enjoys stories of strong relationships between incredible women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Wow! Wow! And just wow! Lady Tan's Circle of Women is another excellent novel by Lisa See! It's easy to see that the research that went into this novel is simply superb. Throughout the story It was as if I could see so much of what the main character, Tan Yunxian, was seeing. I also felt that I was sharing in many of the emotions she felt, as well.
It's the 15th century and women from well to do families are expected to limit their learning to the womanly arts. But Tan Yunxian has experienced too much sorrow to settle for that. Besides, her grandparents are well respected doctors and they're not about to let her obvious intelligence go to waste.
So, at the age of eight she begins to learn about women’s health along with the local midwife's daughter. Soon, they've become best friends and sharing everything with each other. Too soon, they've both been promised in marriage and will now belong to their husbands.
Yunxian finds that her mother-in-law is a tough taskmaster and she's only allowed to work on the womanly arts and making babies. But when she observes a sick child all her training kicks in and she has to help.

This was a truly amazing and educational novel that taught me so much about medicine as practiced in Imperial China among the elite class. The role of midwives and male doctors in diagnosing and treating women was so very interesting. That a. male doctor could not even feel the pulse of a woman without layers of cloth separating his hand from her wrist and had to rely on intermediaries to ask questions about a female patient’s condition was quite surprising To a modern reader.

We meet the main character, Tan Yunxian (Lady Tan) in 1469, when she is just eight years old and interpreting her ailing mother’s issues for a doctor. There is a mention of the odor of the mother’s feet and red streaks up her legs. In this way the author introduces the medical issues that often arose from the practice of foot binding; although I had learned of foot binding, had never heard of the serious physical ailments it could cause, or even deaths. Also, the philosophy of Chinese traditional medicine is explained gradually, including the Four Examinations used, the pulses, the concepts of yin and yang, and how they become unbalanced, requiring treatment.

The book follows the girl Tan Yunxian as she grows older and learns medical principles and treatment from her beloved grandmother, a female physician. Being a female doctor in Imperial China was exceedingly rare, but Tan shows a particular aptitude so her grandmother mentors her. Her grandmother also encourages a special relationship with Meiling, the daughter of a local midwife. Though their social classes are very disparate, the two girls develop a close friendship and help each other greatly both personally and professionally from childhood on as both follow medical paths. Particularly interesting was that only a midwife could deliver a baby as she would be considered soiled by the blood involved—so the male doctor attending would distance himself from the expectant mother during delivery.

Tan Yunxian herself has an arranged marriage as was the practice in elite circles. and becomes subservient to her mother-in-law Lady Kuo, as was the custom. The social standing and activities of various types of women—wives, concubines, daughters, widows, and so on, is elegantly described and very interesting. What most stands out to the contemporary reader is the essential powerlessness of women or concubines without sons. Even with sons, women from elite families lived their lives unable to venture outside the family compound. Women like Meiling, however, lived on the outside, and she describes what the outside world is like to an eager Tan Yunxian.

We follow Tan Yunxian through her life as a mother, wife, and doctor, and even to the Forbidden City to help with infant deliveries. I personally found this part of the book especially intriguing since I had the opportunity to visit The Forbidden City some years ago and wondered what it was like when the Emperor resided there. When she finally returns home, it is to discover a terrible outbreak of “heavenly flowers” or smallpox, and she works long and hard days until the outbreak subsides, though many do not survive.

I really learned so much from this book, which is clearly incredibly researched by the author. To find in the author’s notes that there was an actual Lady Tan who was a doctor was so interesting as well. There were a few places where I thought description was a bit too protracted, but this did not detract from the excellent quality of the narrative.

My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this interesting book in return for an honest review.

One of our favorite historical fiction authors who has brought us the Chinese culture in various historical periods has delivered another amazing book.
Based on a real woman physician in 15-century China, we travel back centuries to a time when there were almost no woman doctors and society deemed male doctors not be permitted to actually see or touch the women they were treating.
We follow Yunxian as a young girl who goes to live with her doctor grandparents after her mother’s death and then to her difficult life living with her husband’s family as was tradition. While the medical practices seem archaic and certainly the footbinding is horrific, the motivation for this woman to provide medicine as it was best known at that time to both wealthy women as well as poor women makes for an unforgettable book.

Lady Tan's Circle of Women is the story of the earliest female doctors. In China in the 1400's there were no female physicians. This is the story of Yunxian,who becomes Lady Tan, life. It starts when she is a child and her mother dies. Her grandparents are doctors and they see to it that she acquires the skills to treat the women of their family. She marries and it is traditional that she just be a wife to her husband. She, however, has other ideas. This is a fascinating story of a strong central female character, but also the story of the women around her. This is a great story about women supporting each other under restrictive circumstances.
I would highly recommend this book. It is the story of a woman finding her place in the world.

Thank you to #netgalley, #LisaSee and #Scribner for a copy of this book.

All of the reasons that I loved Lisa See's book, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" are found in this book as well. This author's writing talent simply oozes off the page as she opens the reader's heart and mind to a distant time and place.
This story will take you on a journey to ancient China and into the lives and customs of its people during the 1500s; especially those that effect women. The stages of a woman's life are followed through the friendship of two women; one a poor midwife and the other a daughter, of upper-class parents, who is training in the medical arts with her grandmother. During a time when every woman's main purpose was to give her husband sons, these women devote their lives to the care and treatment of women during pregnancy and childbirth, and also throughout their lives. We learn once again about the tortuous custom of feet binding and the importance of filial duty. Their lives are changed by heartbreak, los, and deadly contagious diseases.

One of the most interesting facts I learned is that some of the fictional stories in this book are influenced by real life cases that are part of a book published in 1511 titled, "Miscellaneous Records of a Female Doctor", which was the author's inspiration for this book.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for giving me the honor of being allowed to read and review a digital ARC of this wonderful book. All opinions given here are my own.

4 stars. Lisa See does it yet again. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women was great. The book is broken up into four parts of Yunxian’s life (a child, early marriage life, middle age, and old age). Our main character, Yunxian learns from her grandmother about treating women and their ailments. Even though she has the privileged life and bound feet, she still wants more from her life behind rice paper doors in the family compound. She is allowed friendship with a midwife’s daughter and they become practically inseparable. Yuxian is forced to act like the perfect wife and mother, and unfortunately it really holds her back from her true calling of helping women.

A captivating story (that is actually based loosely on a true story), about love, loss, friendship, and womanhood. I love reading about the cultural aspects of foot-binding and the different herbs and medicines that were used and why during that time. See always paints a picture of beautiful landscapes, food, and things like dresses, and she didn’t disappoint on that with this book either.

Historical fiction is really hit or miss for me but this one kept me reading and had an engaging cast of characters. Set in 15th century China, the book follows one main character (Lady Tan) from childhood to death - she becomes a doctor of the time and is close friends with a midwife. There are various plot points that keep the book moving along. It hardly needs to be said but the state of the world for women at this time was not good - this makes the book a bit depressing. But Lady Tan’s ability to persist through challenges is the book’s saving grace. Some themes you’ll find in the book are motherhood, friendship, family, supernatural forces (afterlife), and some marriage theming.

It is a bit long and some of the stories are repetitive - there’s also a good amount of material that describes the landscape and different herbs or potions - details not too necessary to keep the plot moving.

Thank you to Scribner Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

I was so excited to get the ARC of this novel. Lisa See is one of my favorite authors. I have loved all of her books and this one did not disappoint. This book is so well researched and I love the author's notes at the end, telling about the real life people in the novel.

This novel is based on the real life story of Tan Yunxian, a woman doctor in 15th Century China, who recorded her practice in a book. It was interesting to learn that many women that Yunxian treated in the novel were based on real cases from her actual book. I felt like I learned so much about Chinese medicine and the life of women during this time period in China. I did not know that male doctors at that time could not examine female patients. Since there were very few women doctors, (just midwives to assist with births), this made Yunxian's role as a doctor even more extraordinary and important to the women who were fortunate to be treated by her. Not only is this the story of Yunxian's practice of treating women, it is equally a story of the incredible bond that existed between Yunxian's "circle of women", whether it was the bond between mother/daughter and grandmother/granddaughter or between friends and family. If you are a fan of Lisa See and historical fiction, you will not want to miss this book when it comes out in June.

Lisa See doesn't disappoint. Her research into Chinese history and medicine is absolutely engaging and thorough. Her characters' experiences flow with a rhythm that draws you into their daily lives. Some of the ancient traditions discussed are not for the faint of heart though. These traditions could be cruel especially in the 1500 century when women were expected to be complacent, subservient, bear children (especially sons), and to help advance the family status when possible. The book exposes you to generations of high status women and how they dealt with these challenges. Many emotions and a bit of mystery are all explored. There is a large focus on female illnesses, childbearing and cures administered by the main character who was influenced by her grandparents. There is such care and wisdom displayed in their teachings and actions. The protagonist comes from a real women living in the time period that wrote a book on her cures etc. After many of the chapters I was caught up in thoughts regarding their words of wisdom. The descriptions of the gardens, textiles, jewelry, teas and herbs were vivid enough it was like watching a movie. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed but the book was an enjoyable and informative experience. A true journey in written form.

Another fabulous historical novel from Lisa See - this time exploring women physicians from 15th-century China, inspired by a true story. We see the impact of Confucius's "an educated woman is a worthless woman" on our protagonist as she deals with the physical and emotional impact of death, bound feet, arranged marriages, and the art of traditions forced upon her. I was wrapped up in Xunxian's story and path to becoming a renowned physician during a time when that was clearly not the norm. What a wonderful woman who's story seemed to be lost to history and mediocre men, but is being unearthed in this fantastical tale! 10/10 would recommend!

I was surprised and will continue to be ever grateful to Scribner for the this ARC via NetGalley. Thank you thank you thank you! #LisaSeeFanForever

Lisa See never disappoints, and this book is no exception. Set in 1500's China, Tan is the daughter of an educated family. When her mother dies, she is sent to live with her grandparents. Her grandfather is an educated Dr and her grandmother has learned medicine from the women in her family. Tan learns all about medicines, treatments, and birthing through her grandmother and a local midwife. The story is based on Tan Yunxian, who treated women in her family and community. She eventually went on to write a medical book about treating females that is still in print today.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy.

This book is absolutely luminous! I'm a big fan of Lisa See and she's outdone herself this time. Part historical fiction, part mystery, part women's fiction, I could not put this book down. Set in China during the 1400 - 1500's, it's the story of Tan Yunxian, a female doctor in a time when women aren't considered much of anything. The book chronicles her lifelong friendship with Meiling, a midwife's daughter, here relationship with her her family and that of husband and her mother-in-law. See's research is impeccable, not just in regards to medicine, but also tea, fashion, female/male relationships, and court hierarchy. Don't miss this book!

Lisa See’s writing has a way of transporting you to the past with such meticulous research & detail. Lady Tan’s story is filled with a cast of women & friendships that caught my heart. Although the status of women in ancient China is beyond understanding, the courage, sacrifice & determination found in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women represent the strength within all women.

Let me preface this by saying I would read anything Lisa See writes without a second thought, and will undoubtedly enjoy it. I think she’s brilliant and entertaining; her research on each novel is exceptional.

This book was no different. I really loved it. Enjoyed every page. That being said, it did feel different to me at times. More like commentary on a character or situation rather than them living in the moment. Perhaps more narration? I’m not completely sure, but it would take me out of the narrative just a bit - like I was reading opinions of a life vs. watching it be lived.

Don’t let that stop you though. It’s a beautiful book about a truly exceptional woman. Women, actually! I’m sorry it’s over mostly because I know I’ll have a long wait before my next See novel.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC - my impatience for this one’s release was real!

Once again, Lisa See delivers a beautiful glimpse into Chinese history, following the life of a remarkable woman— a doctor. It is amazing that women, who are notoriously overlooked and silenced throughout history, are finally being celebrated through years of dedicated research.

More like 3.5. I was looking forward to reading the new Lisa See. I have read and enjoyed all of her books. As always, she puts a lot of time and effort into researching her books and is able to make time periods come alive. While I appreciate the research that went into this book, I can't say it was my favorite. I didn't love the narrative style of this book. It felt stilted and one dimensional.. I felt like she was trying to cover too much ground, and didn't do any of the material the full attention it needed. I think I would have like this better in different narrative style. Thanks to Net Gallery for this opportunity.

Firstly, thank you, Lisa See, for all the incredible research you did in writing this book..I'm so grateful this story was sparked by a book sitting on your shelf. Secondly, thank you to Covid (believe it or not) for giving Ms. See the impetus for this amazing novel. I have read all of Ms. See's novels and they just keep getting better and better with every single one. I fell in love with the women in LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN, and what women they are. Lady Tan, Meiling, Lady Tan's Grandmother Ru!!!, Miss Chen, and Lady Kuo, only to name a few...family members, friends and concubines. Reading one of Ms. See's books is like studying Chinese history! and this book is a wonder in learning about Chinese medicine using herbs and intuition, and on top of all this a wondrous story about love, life and friendships. Thank you, Lisa See for this beautiful story, and many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Publishing for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN - in my top five books!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Scribner for this eARC. I am a huge sucker for historical fiction, and this book was no exception. Lisa See does a fantastic job of transporting the reader to imperial China, focusing the narrative on the trials of Yunxian, aka Lady Tan, as she grows up and marries into a new family. Yunxian receives medical training from both of her grandparents, but she has a special connection with her grandmother, Grandmother Ru. Yunxian has to grapple with the challenges of being trained as a Confucian doctor, one who doesn't deal with blood, while also trying to tend to the needs of women in child birth, an innately bloody business. The novel not only focuses on Yunxian and her position in the Chinese elite but also her friend Meiling, who serves as an assistant midwife to her mother, Midwife Shi. The novel explores the connection between these two girls, but also the intricacies of class, gender, and career. A delightful and intoxicating read!

This is one of those historical fiction books that immediately transport you straight from your couch to the time and place of the story! Grab a cup of tea, snuggle under a blanket, and prepare to immerse yourself in sights and sounds of the late 1400s in China.

The book follows the based-on-a-true story trials and hardships of Yunxian's life. Yunzian has moments of fortune and moments of despair as she learns to practice medicine during the Ming Dynasty in China. The attention to detail concerning daily life, customs, and medical practices of this time make me want to learn more about the Ming Dynasty and the women who lived then.

NetGalley and the publisher provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.