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 Snow Flower 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 not only remarkable in the Ming dynasty, but would also be considered remarkable today.
The fact this story was inspired by real-life healer and aristocrat of the Ming dynasty, Tan Yunxian, is beyond amazing. Tan lived within the confines of her world, but nevertheless, was a trailblazer in the field of medicine, publishing her work for future generations.
International bestselling author Lisa See takes us on an epic journey of love and friendship through Yunxian and Meiling, who face challenges both personally and professionally to fulfil their destinies. It’s an exquisitely detailed novel that’s been meticulously researched as See provides insights into customs from foot-binding (which will make your eyes water) to producing jasmine tea. It’s a novel written with respect and love which you can feel on every page.
At its heart, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is the story of women overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and finding their voices and destinies through their connection with each other, which is nothing short of inspiring.
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