Lady Tan's Circle of Women wins the award for most life-changing book of 2023. In the time of foot-binding and Confucius's "wisdom" that “an educated woman is a worthless woman” Tan Yunxian is born into an elite Chinese family. But there's something different about Yunxian's family. Her grandmother is one of only a few female doctors in China, treating "women's issues" because male doctors are prohibited from touching female patients.

Yunxian learns alongside her grandmother where she meets Meiling, the midwife's daughter. Despite coming from different backgrounds, the two vow to be forever friends. One arranged marriage and a demanding mother-in-law later, the two are separated— forbidden from contacting one another again.

Will the confines of her husband's family compoud keep Yunxian's gift locked away? Can friendship between women persevere in hard circumstances? And can an educated woman make a difference— even in male-dominated China?

Tan Yunxian was a real Chinese physician during the Ming dynasty in China whose remedies are recorded in "Miscellaneous Records of a Female Doctor" and still used to this day. Lisa See's fabulous storytelling brings this woman's work to life through her novel— and even inspired me to try Chinese medicine for myself. And guess what? It worked!!

I feel like Lisa See has found the perfect equation for interesting novels: two female friends, likely from different class, much experience the tragedy and trials of their historical periods while trying to reunite. This was just that! I love the novels of hers that deal with foot-binding, it's such a gruesome and bizarre tradition. 4 solid stars.

Set in the 15th century, this well-researched historical fiction tale covers a lifetime with lots of characters. It's based on a real woman and her medical text. There are some very uncomfortable situations described, but it's, unfortunately, very realistic. Lisa See writes a gorgeous story of friendship and family.

Lisa See does it again. I’ve always been a big fan of hers, and this book was consistently as good as her other works.

I am a huge fan of the historical novels written by Lisa See and Lady Tan's Circle of Women does not disappoint. I as absolutely riveted by this story based on an actual figure in China's history. Set in the late 1400s we get to learn about the ancient medical practices employed by Lady Tan. She works as a doctor for those in her family and it was so fascinating to hear about how she treated people. The writing is so descriptive that it's easy to picture each scene in the book as you're reading. I can not recommend this book enough. I loved it! Read and enjoy!

Set in China during the 15th Century, the novel centers on the lives of two Chinese women. Tan Yunxian is from a wealthy family who has had her feet bound, according to the custom for high-born girls. Meiling is from a common family, the daughter of a midwife. Yunxian’s mother dies when she is young and she is taken to live with her grandparents because her father is away at school. Her grandmother is a well-respected doctor and she decides to train Yunxian to follow in her footsteps. The grandmother knows Meiling’s mother, the midwife, and decides it would be good for the two young girls to become close friends.

Midwives deliver children because doctors are not allowed to touch the blood from childbirth. They might be present, but must stay removed from the delivery bed, only available as an adviser. As Meiling learns from her mother and Yunxian learns from her grandmother, the two girls form a close bond. Both become married and their circumstances differ because of their social standing. Meiling is allowed to move about the towns and countryside while Yunxian is confined to the family compound where the wives, concubines and children live. Still, they honor the rules of their roles and look for validation of their medical expertise.

This story of the two women from different backgrounds shows the class distinctions that ruled China. The practice of footbinding is an important aspect of the book, as is the medical care of the time. There was a real Lady Tan doctor who wrote of her treatments and patients. Her medical practices were remarkable and many are still practiced today.

See researched the real female doctor and the world in which she lived. Descriptions of compound life, medical care for women and even the story of a midwife giving birth as she treats the empress’ pregnancy, are based on actual conditions and events. The fact that women might be allowed to treat other women centuries ago is noteworthy. These female practitioners understood female ailments and the female anatomy, making them well equipped to treat conditions specific to their sex.

See not only showcases women in 15th Century China but the culture of the time and the friendship of two extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds. Like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the female bonds are strong and the characters are compelling. Another fabulous historical novel from a talented writer.

Lisa See has done it again by writing another masterpiece. This book is so well researched and gives us a look at a remarkable female character and doctor from the 15th century. Beautifully written. story about a young women, Yunxian who is sent into an arranged marriage. Will she be able to practice medicine? From a young age she has learned about women's illnesses and cures. The story include the power of friendship and a look into life in China in the 15th century. Don't miss this one.

Wow! What an incredible saga! I was thoroughly immersed in the time period and learned so much. This was a powerful story of strength and the bond of women. I loved my time with it and am better for reading it!

#YOURNEXTBOOKCLUBPICK Showcase Series — LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by: Lisa See

If you are a fan of historical fiction and haven’t read a Lisa See novel, you should remedy that immediately and add one of her book gems to your TBR stack ASAP. She is masterful in her research and it shows in the richness in every single detail as well as in the scope and depth of background. Her books are the kind of books that stay with you and are unforgettable — that you will come back to thinking about and remembering again and again. Her book THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN is that book of hers for me. So I was excited when I saw she had a new release and knew I needed to read it.

In Lisa’s recent release, LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN, she follows the life journey of Yunxian, who after losing her mother as a child and with her father away on important scholarly studies, learns the practice of medicine and healing while living with her grandparents. Most importantly, her grandmother passes down not only knowledge gleaned from generation to generation in her family, but also from one woman to another. Being versed in treating womens’ ailments, labor and delivery, along with traditional Chinese medicine during the Ming Dynasty era (relating to the body’s Qi energy and differential diagnosis through various pulse presentations and examination) was so important as a female physician to their female patients. Usually during this time period, male doctors couldn’t directly touch, observe, or talk to their female patients. They could indirectly collect a history or talk to a patient regarding their symptoms and treatment through a male relative on the opposite side of a screen, as well as take a pulse indirectly with a cloth barrier between their fingers and the patient’s wrist. Thus a female patient having access to a female physician and/or midwife for hands-on direct examination and treatment was so invaluable and such an advantageous blessing. Lisa fashions her character after the real life Chinese physician, Tan Yunxian, who published the earliest known medical text by a woman in 1511 highlighting various case studies of her patients and is still able to be bought/read today as Lisa did! Physicians during this time were not only well-versed in treatments using herbs, acupuncture, and moxibustion, but also an early form of vaccination: variolation against small pox.

As Lisa guides the reader along the different stages of Yunxian’s life, including marriage and children, in turn she exposes readers to all the complex traditions and elaborate rituals of the Ming Dynasty. From foot binding to multichamber marriage-beds, to the pressures of bearing sons whilst coexisting amongst in-laws and concubines, as well as essentially becoming fully part of only your husband’s family, the life of a woman could be stifling harsh, unforgivingly restrictive, and full of dangerous risks. In a world of few choices, women must form strong bonds and ties amongst each other. Social status and wealth controlled and dictated all aspects of society from clothing style (including its adornment and accessories), to the number and extravagance of courtyards in garden homes, to the type of expected educational, hobby, and in-home pursuits that were permissible, and to the ritual elements of ceremonies. Even some of the more controversial aspects of the centuries of empire dynasties were explored that have since ended regarding the use of concubines, eunuchs, and severe corporal punishments.

As a woman it was particularly hard to read and dive into all the excruciating and horrific painful details of historic foodbinding in women. It led me to explore the subject online and in more depth, where I discovered interesting articles, books, and university papers associating high heel shoes as a more accepted form of modern footbinding. It definitely lends to more thoughtful discussion and doesn’t seem too off base or farfetched when one thinks of the resultant foot deformities and pain for the sake of vanity and aesthetic appearance. Sarah Jessica Parker (with love always to SJP), notorious for her affection and adoration of shoes — her SJP brand is as synonymous with shoes and fashion as it is with her love of books and libraries — once reported that her feet are forever deformed from so many years in high heels and one of her feet actually has an extra bone. Furthermore the old adages “no pain, no gain” and “beauty is pain” contribute to false authenticity and align with the historical pressures on women during footbinding that also attacked any failure in this area as mental weakness and dishonor or lack of love for one’s husband.

Lisa has provided a wealth of historical information and background on her website to enhance your next book club and/or provide resources for further study or research. Follow the link below to access this gold mine or find “Step Inside: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” at lisasee.com:

https://lisasee.com/step-inside/lady-tans-circle-of-women/

I haven't read a Lisa See book in a while and I was so happy to right that wrong with Lady Tan's Circle of Women! See writes sweeping, achingly beautiful books that somehow make the atrocities women endured meaningful. It's hard to read sometimes how very little freedom or even value women had in 15-16th century China, but the characters' perseverance and heart is so admirable. Highly recommended.

This book is meticulously researched and brings the reader into the world of women living in 15th century China. See's writing is beautiful and I loved learning more about female doctors at that time. The problem for me was the pacing - it was so slow until the last third of the book and I had to force myself to keep reading. Ultimately. I was glad I did but I wish the storytelling had been as compelling as the lives these women led.

3.5 stars

Thanks to Scribner for the copy to review.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of Lady Tan's Circle of Women. Lisa See is an amazing storyteller. I learned so much by reading this book. This is a totally immersive experience, which transports the reader to 15th century China. I love a book that educates and entertains. At times I forgot the story was occurring in the 1400's in China. I love reading about strong women in different times and cultures. As a woman, I was captivated by the story of women and their friendships, which provided a circle of women who supported one another in an era when they had no freedoms or rights . My bookclub chose this book and what an amazing discussion we had! Thank you again, and when I see Lisa See's name on a book jacket I know I will read it! In each of the seven novels I have read by Lisa See, I always find it enlightening to learn so much about Chinese culture, families, history . I will recommend to many!
Leslie Ponder

I always enjoy Lisa See’s novels for how transportive and authentic they are. She does a wonderful job with descriptive language, likable characters, a quiet but engaging story, and historically accurate details. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women was no different. It was slower paced than I usually prefer but it drew me in with its interesting topic. I found myself regularly wondering what was scientifically accurate today versus incorrect but culturally accepted and appropriate for the times. Any historical fiction that makes me want to research more is a success.

Feminist books are ever popular to the point that it feels like an expected topic, rarely done in a way that feels fresh or like it brings something new to the conversation. Brimming with girl power, this is a feminist story unlike any other I’ve read. The female empowerment is ever present and strong but subtly quiet. Given the time period there are moments where the female treatment feels backwards, yet ahead of its time. Through friendships, career and life choices, mother-in-law relationships, treatment of concubines, passed down advice and trades, we see the frailty and strength of women. It was a refreshing take on feminism.

It took me several weeks to read the book but I found myself wanting to savor it in small sips. The trial towards the end brought an interesting element that I really enjoyed. I love a bit of mystery in a book. Lisa See remains one of my favorites.

I was suppose to read this at the beginning of August for my bookclub but as you can tell that didn’t happen. I have struggled with reading physical books lately. I tend to doze off every time I try to read. Audiobooks have been my saving grace lately.

I finally took a day to just read (and doze) this week. So, I was finally able to finish this interesting story. This is only my second book by Lisa See but it has cemented her as an auto-buy author. I really enjoy all of the work she puts into each of her stories. The research alone must be daunting. I learn so much about aspects of different cultures within her books. This book tackled the ancient practice of foot binding in China. While it was hard to read at times, I found it fascinating. It has prompted me to do some research of my own.

I also loved how this book explore female friendship and what it meant to be a woman during this time period. The way in which medical treatment was described and how their were different doctors for different things was really amazing. Again, I want to do more research about this on my own. I thought the characters were well done. I especially liked Meiling, the midwife who befriends our main character. Just imagining everything she must have had to go through in society to make a way for herself was intriguing.

The only reason this book didn’t get 5 stars from me was that the pacing was very slow until the last quarter of the book. If it had been just a little faster paced, it would have been a new favorite. Though I will read anything and everything that Lisa See writes!

I enjoyed this to a point. The narrative turned out to be a life story with a plot type that I usually do not prefer. I wish we had gone deper on individual events, but I did appreciate the look at all the different challenges women faced during this time (many of them really engaged/enraged me) although I did want more depth to many of these stories.

I couldn't finish this book, it was so dull and repetitive. Usually, I find See's books incredibly fascinating. I loved the inside look into historic Chinese women's world, but this book was just so dry.

I would read anything by Lisa See. The rich detail is so immersive and the writing is beautiful but also remarkably readable. I didn’t want this novel to end.

Thank you to @netgalley and @scribnerbooks for a digital advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Attention Historical Fiction Lovers: READ THIS BOOK.

Lisa See has clearly researched the life of Lady Tan, and women of her era in Imperial China, with love and painstaking attention to detail. Not only did this story follow the life, love, and hopes of a woman, it brought her world to life for the modern reader. It explores family dynamics, power structures, and a history that kept women both protected and bound. I learned so much, but enjoyed the story each step of the way.

TW: miscarriage, corporal punishment, death, physical disfiguration (bound feet)

Summary:
Yunxian is a Chinese girl born to an elite family. Upon the death of her mother, she is sent to live with her grandparents - both of whom are doctors. She is quickly taken under her grandmother’s wing and taught to heal women, a task most male doctors are unable to do due to cultural norms. Through the story of her life as a mother, wife, friend, and doctor, we are able to see Imperial China. Her triumphs, sacrifice, and hurdles paint a picture of each class of women during her lifetime. She lives and learns through the motto of, “A woman who helps others helps herself.”

I was thoroughly engrossed in this story and would highly recommend it to someone looking for something similar to Pachinko or Memoirs of a Geisha. While these books are obviously from very different periods of times and other cultures, the essence of the storytelling felt very similar.

Lisa See's books are always excellent and this one is no exception. Her research is so in depth that as a reader you become fascinated by a topic for which you never knew about let alone had any interest in! She is such a talent and I was able to see her at a local bookstore on tour for this title so she gave even more insight into the novel.

I look forward to every new Lisa See book. Her stories are so rich and intricately woven, they lure you in to another world and won't let you leave. Just as with every other book of See's, I turned the last page of Lady Tan's Circle of Women and wished I could read it again for the first time.