Status
Checked out
Due 2024-05-12
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Scribner (2023), Edition: First Edition, 368 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. HTML:INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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 remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be cons… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member fredreeca
Yunxian’s mother has passed away. She is sent to live with her grandparents. She learns so much from her grandmother. But will it lead to her detriment? It very well could. And it does in some ways, but yet it saves her as well.
Yunxian is such an amazing lady. She is thrown into an arranged
This book is amazing! The time period, the characters, and lord….the intensity in places. This book will give you so many feelings and you will have to process…so be ready!
The way things have changed but yet they have stayed the same!
Need a good all-around story to get lost in…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for an honest opinion.
Yunxian is such an amazing lady. She is thrown into an arranged
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marriage. She has much knowledge about medicine but, as a woman in this time period, she is not supposed to be intelligent. She is supposed to be pretty, quiet, subservient and submissive. She falls short in a lot of these areas. But her intelligence on handling many situations saves her.This book is amazing! The time period, the characters, and lord….the intensity in places. This book will give you so many feelings and you will have to process…so be ready!
The way things have changed but yet they have stayed the same!
Need a good all-around story to get lost in…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for an honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member maryreinert
In the acknowledgements, the author states that she did a lot of research for this book - it shows, but not always in a good way. At times, I felt like she felt she needed to get every little fact regarding ancient Chinese customs, foot-binding, crime and punishment, marital customs, and any other
As Yinxian marries she is expected to give up her interest in medicine especially by her demanding mother-in-law. The story unfolds throughout the life of Yinxian from this time to her old age when she writes down her knowledge of women's medicine.
At times the book tended to be a bit "soap operaish" and it seemed too good to be true that her medical advice always cured the individual. I admit that I "fast read" much of the book especially when it went into great detail as to the kind of herbs and medicines that were given for whatever ailment.
The story is a story of a woman who is smart, eager to learn, and a story of friendship with other women around her including her life-long friendship with her grandmother's midwife's daughter, the concubine of her father, and others.
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strange item of cultural history into the story. Sent in ancient China, Yunxian's mother dies when she is young and she is sent to be raised by her grandparents. Her grandmother is educated as a sort of doctor for women which does not, however, include being a midwife as being a midwife involves touching blood which a woman of any higher station would never do. The grandmother does work with a midwife who has a daughter who is also learning to be a midwife. Grandmother commands that the girls form a personal friendship and also work together as a doctor and midwife.As Yinxian marries she is expected to give up her interest in medicine especially by her demanding mother-in-law. The story unfolds throughout the life of Yinxian from this time to her old age when she writes down her knowledge of women's medicine.
At times the book tended to be a bit "soap operaish" and it seemed too good to be true that her medical advice always cured the individual. I admit that I "fast read" much of the book especially when it went into great detail as to the kind of herbs and medicines that were given for whatever ailment.
The story is a story of a woman who is smart, eager to learn, and a story of friendship with other women around her including her life-long friendship with her grandmother's midwife's daughter, the concubine of her father, and others.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rmarcin
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
This book is the tale of Lady Tan, a female doctor attending to women in 15th C China. She learned medicine primarily from her grandmother. The book describes Chinese culture during this time, including the ranks of a household, the
Lady Tan must navigate her life after her mother dies early. She is sold into marriage, but her mother-in-law won't allow her to see her childhood friend or practice medicine. She figures out how to do this anyway.
A fascinating story of a woman who made a lasting impression on women's healthcare.
This book is the tale of Lady Tan, a female doctor attending to women in 15th C China. She learned medicine primarily from her grandmother. The book describes Chinese culture during this time, including the ranks of a household, the
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traditions, the herbs and foods, the clothing, the adornments, and the social life. It describes the 4 times of a woman's life, in simple terms: childhood, early marriage, childbearing, older age. Lady Tan must navigate her life after her mother dies early. She is sold into marriage, but her mother-in-law won't allow her to see her childhood friend or practice medicine. She figures out how to do this anyway.
A fascinating story of a woman who made a lasting impression on women's healthcare.
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LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
Another unbelievably excellent book by Lisa See. The research she does for her books is thorough. The fact that this book is based on a real woman doctor in the years of the Ming Dynasty during the sixteenth century is amazing. I read it straight through and I highly recommend this book!
LibraryThing member FlowerchildReads
Based on an incredible healer in fifteen century China, Lady Tan Yunxian. This is the story of Yunxian, a young woman born into wealth, haunted by death, sold into an arranged marriage, in a time when women had no voice, where there was a distinct hierarchy within households, where trust of
After a young Yunxian’s mother dies she is sent to live with her paternal grandparents who are respected healers. She learns from them, but also a local midwife who attends to all the women in the family. Doctors do not touch blood, it’s unclean. They are academics. This contradiction, along with the strict constraints of society, is hard for Yunxian to reconcile as she sees the very real harm it causes. As she grows into a wife and mother, moving into her husband’s home, this conflict only becomes greater.
Lisa See is at her best telling stories about relationships between women, how they grow together, apart, over generations. She peels back what they must do to survive in repressive societies, sacrificing themselves, humanizing difficult choices. Her previous book, The Island Of Sea Women, did this beautifully for me while also telling the story of the all female diving collective and Japanese colonialism. In Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women it clearly works for so many readers based on the rave reviews. Here, for me, the reading experience got lost in the details, and I wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters. I think this is a reflection of my discomfort with the subject of foot binding, so know yourself as a reader. I respect the awesome care that the author took with the story, and recognize it’s done well, and important history. If I didn’t have her previous book to compare it to I probably wouldn’t have set the bar so high.
I think this is an excellent book for book clubs and buddy reads as there’s so much to discuss. If you’ve never read any of her books I highly recommend The Island of Sea Women, not because Lady Tan’s not a fantastic book, but simply because TIOSW is my personal favorite.
Thank you to Scribner Books @ScribnerBooks for the early review copy via Netgalley @netgalley
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servants was bought at a premium, and the truth was hard to come by. This was the height of foot binding, concubines, and a deep mistrust of midwives. After a young Yunxian’s mother dies she is sent to live with her paternal grandparents who are respected healers. She learns from them, but also a local midwife who attends to all the women in the family. Doctors do not touch blood, it’s unclean. They are academics. This contradiction, along with the strict constraints of society, is hard for Yunxian to reconcile as she sees the very real harm it causes. As she grows into a wife and mother, moving into her husband’s home, this conflict only becomes greater.
Lisa See is at her best telling stories about relationships between women, how they grow together, apart, over generations. She peels back what they must do to survive in repressive societies, sacrificing themselves, humanizing difficult choices. Her previous book, The Island Of Sea Women, did this beautifully for me while also telling the story of the all female diving collective and Japanese colonialism. In Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women it clearly works for so many readers based on the rave reviews. Here, for me, the reading experience got lost in the details, and I wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters. I think this is a reflection of my discomfort with the subject of foot binding, so know yourself as a reader. I respect the awesome care that the author took with the story, and recognize it’s done well, and important history. If I didn’t have her previous book to compare it to I probably wouldn’t have set the bar so high.
I think this is an excellent book for book clubs and buddy reads as there’s so much to discuss. If you’ve never read any of her books I highly recommend The Island of Sea Women, not because Lady Tan’s not a fantastic book, but simply because TIOSW is my personal favorite.
Thank you to Scribner Books @ScribnerBooks for the early review copy via Netgalley @netgalley
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LibraryThing member tamidale
Lisa See brings readers another wonderful story about the life of a Chinese woman in the 15th century. The story is inspired by a woman physician during that time period.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her
Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
Lisa See brings readers another wonderful story about the life of a Chinese woman in the 15th century. The story is inspired by a woman physician during that time period.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her grandparents, who are well-respected and educated. The grandmother immediately begins to teach Yunxian about Chinese medicine.
Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
Lisa See brings readers another wonderful story about the life of a Chinese woman in the 15th century. The story is inspired by a woman physician during that time period.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her grandparents, who are well-respected and educated. The grandmother immediately begins to teach Yunxian about Chinese medicine.
Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her
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grandparents, who are well-respected and educated. The grandmother immediately begins to teach Yunxian about Chinese medicine.Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
Lisa See brings readers another wonderful story about the life of a Chinese woman in the 15th century. The story is inspired by a woman physician during that time period.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her grandparents, who are well-respected and educated. The grandmother immediately begins to teach Yunxian about Chinese medicine.
Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
Lisa See brings readers another wonderful story about the life of a Chinese woman in the 15th century. The story is inspired by a woman physician during that time period.
Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, witnessed her mother’s death at a young age. She is sent to live with her grandparents, who are well-respected and educated. The grandmother immediately begins to teach Yunxian about Chinese medicine.
Eventually, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife and her daughter, Meiling. The girls are the same age and immediately become friends. Meiling is being trained to become a midwife, so as they grow older, the girls see how they could compliment each other in their work.
Each girl has difficulties to face. Both are subject to an arranged marriage, however Yunxian is married into an elite family like her own, but Meiling is married to a tea merchant that struggles to make a living. Yunxian’s mother-in-law forbids her to see Meiling due to the class difference.
Eventually the girls are able to be together again due to a series of changes that occur in each of their families. This is the story of a wonderful friendship between two strong women and how they encourage and lift each other up in times of strife.
It is also full of information about the Chinese customs of the time and their beliefs about women, medicine and life. This was a story that had me going to the Internet to learn more and see pictures illustrating what I was reading about. I loved it and I think other readers will love it also.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am pleased to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
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LibraryThing member evatkaplan
VERY WELL RESEARCHED. ABOUT THE LIVE'S OF WOMEN in 1500 China. Especial, Lady Tan, a historic woman who had much knowledge of medicine and treated women in her enclave and nearby surroundings.
LibraryThing member delphimo
What a horrible life for the Chinese woman who must undergo foot binding that starts at an early age and if not handled correctly, may lead to death. The story follows Yunxian from the tender age of eight to her finally winning the responsibility of controlling the household. Yunxian wins the
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privilege of studying medicine with her grandparents after the death of her mother. The story follows the customs and unspoken rules of a wealthy Chinese household where women rank so lowly but must be the vessel of providing a son. The different etiquette concerning male doctors and female patients amazed this reader. How could an illness be determined? And the horror of a doctor handling blood! A book to be enjoyed and to learn about the different areas of curing. Show Less
LibraryThing member thekellyfamily
This is in my top 5 books for 2023! I loved this story of women and friendship during the Ming Dynasty. I learned a lot and now am interested in learning more not only about Chinese history but about Chinese medicine. The books is beautifully written and the description of the time period are very
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vivid. I highly recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member creighley
Inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th- century China. According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian-born into an e,it’s family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness- is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her
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grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yuxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations: looking, listening, touching, and asking- something a man can never do with a female patient.when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids Yunxian to see her best friend and to help the women and girls in the household. She 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. Show Less
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
“For much of my life I felt alone, but over the years a circle of women came to love me, and I came to love each of those women in return.”
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is a splendid historical novel inspired by the life of a woman who lived in China during the Ming Dynasty.
Born into
“A thousand years in the past, a thousand years in the future—no matter where you live or how rich or poor you are—the four phases of a woman’s life are the same”
Guided by meticulous research, See sheds light on the lives of women in 15th century China as she leads us through Yunxian’s life, from her Milk (childhood) Days, through to her Hair-Pinning (marriage) Days, Rice and Salt (child-rearing) Days, and into her Sitting Quietly (post-menopause) days. No matter their status, women had very little agency over their lives, and See explores this in the novel by introducing wives and mothers, spinsters and concubines, peasants and servants.
“In our friendship—with all its twists and moments of tumult—was the yin and yang of life.”
For all her privilege, Yunxian’s world is severely confined, both figuratively, and literally given the cloistered living conditions and awful practice of footbinding. Working with her Grandmother however leads her to friendship with Meiling, the daughter of the family’s midwife. See explores the importance of this unusual bond over Yunxian’s lifetime, as well as the transformative nature of relationships she forms with other women.
“Oh, our feet may take different shapes and mark us by class, but we share breasts and the travails of the child palace. We are connected through blood and Blood.”
I learnt so much about the history of traditional Chinese medicine in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. Adhering to Confucius principles and social mores, Doctors, who were almost exclusively male, treated women with an intermediary from behind a screen, never actually examining their patient. Yunxian eagerly learns medicine from her grandmother, though, with the naivety of privilege and youth, it takes her time to fully appreciate its value. I really enjoyed Yunxian maturing into her role as a doctor, and found the principles of diagnosis and treatment fascinating.
“You must speak if you wish to be heard.”
I found myself utterly absorbed in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, Yunxian Tan is a compelling character and was obviously a remarkable woman. This is a rich, interesting, and engrossing story.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is a splendid historical novel inspired by the life of a woman who lived in China during the Ming Dynasty.
Born into
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privilege, Yunxian’s Tan’s future is predetermined. She will be married off at fifteen to the advantage of her family, expected to bear her husband sons, and uphold the rules and traditions of her new home as befits a lady of status. When the novel opens, Yunxian is just eight years old, and her beloved mother, Respectful Lady, is dying. On her passing, Yunxian is sent to live with her paternal grandparents, where she is absorbed into their busy household. Unusually her Grandmother Ru is a practitioner of fuke - medicine for women, and she offers Yunxian the opportunity to learn from her. “A thousand years in the past, a thousand years in the future—no matter where you live or how rich or poor you are—the four phases of a woman’s life are the same”
Guided by meticulous research, See sheds light on the lives of women in 15th century China as she leads us through Yunxian’s life, from her Milk (childhood) Days, through to her Hair-Pinning (marriage) Days, Rice and Salt (child-rearing) Days, and into her Sitting Quietly (post-menopause) days. No matter their status, women had very little agency over their lives, and See explores this in the novel by introducing wives and mothers, spinsters and concubines, peasants and servants.
“In our friendship—with all its twists and moments of tumult—was the yin and yang of life.”
For all her privilege, Yunxian’s world is severely confined, both figuratively, and literally given the cloistered living conditions and awful practice of footbinding. Working with her Grandmother however leads her to friendship with Meiling, the daughter of the family’s midwife. See explores the importance of this unusual bond over Yunxian’s lifetime, as well as the transformative nature of relationships she forms with other women.
“Oh, our feet may take different shapes and mark us by class, but we share breasts and the travails of the child palace. We are connected through blood and Blood.”
I learnt so much about the history of traditional Chinese medicine in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. Adhering to Confucius principles and social mores, Doctors, who were almost exclusively male, treated women with an intermediary from behind a screen, never actually examining their patient. Yunxian eagerly learns medicine from her grandmother, though, with the naivety of privilege and youth, it takes her time to fully appreciate its value. I really enjoyed Yunxian maturing into her role as a doctor, and found the principles of diagnosis and treatment fascinating.
“You must speak if you wish to be heard.”
I found myself utterly absorbed in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, Yunxian Tan is a compelling character and was obviously a remarkable woman. This is a rich, interesting, and engrossing story.
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LibraryThing member nancyadair
Lisa See’s novels offer stories of remarkable women in vividly rendered historical settings. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women will not disappoint her readers. You will be caught up in the story, entranced by the characters, propelled by the story line, and amazed by the detailed recreation of 15th c
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women imagines the life of a historical female physician, Tan Yunxian, who employed traditional Chinese medicine to treat women. It was a time when male doctors interviewed female patients from behind a screen, with a go-between who conveyed questions and answers. Midwives who touched blood during delivery were low in status but could reap wealth. Lady Tan could see the women patients face to face, taking her pulse, observing her appearance, and prescribing remedies. Male doctors believed in a hands-off approach to childbirth, while Lady Tan could employ medicine to help the delivery.
Yunxian was raised by a grandmother who was a female doctor, and her childhood friend was the daughter of a midwife. The girls forged a deep friendship, but are separated by Yunxian’s marriage into the Tan family. They are reunited in later life as their paths cross as they practice their craft.
Women’s lives in the Ming dynasty, which followed Confucian philosophy, were restricted to the inner court. Women who could not bear a son bought concubines for their husbands. Women underwent foot painful binding to gain a husband, leaving them with withered legs. The details are gruesome to read, but also make one reconsider today’s beauty practices and the lengths we go to attract men. As Lady Tan, Yunxian had to practice medicine quietly until she proved her essential value.
It is another great story from See about the strength and contribution of women whose lives are limited by societal dictates.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Book Club Favorites for a free book.
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China.Lady Tan’s Circle of Women imagines the life of a historical female physician, Tan Yunxian, who employed traditional Chinese medicine to treat women. It was a time when male doctors interviewed female patients from behind a screen, with a go-between who conveyed questions and answers. Midwives who touched blood during delivery were low in status but could reap wealth. Lady Tan could see the women patients face to face, taking her pulse, observing her appearance, and prescribing remedies. Male doctors believed in a hands-off approach to childbirth, while Lady Tan could employ medicine to help the delivery.
Yunxian was raised by a grandmother who was a female doctor, and her childhood friend was the daughter of a midwife. The girls forged a deep friendship, but are separated by Yunxian’s marriage into the Tan family. They are reunited in later life as their paths cross as they practice their craft.
Women’s lives in the Ming dynasty, which followed Confucian philosophy, were restricted to the inner court. Women who could not bear a son bought concubines for their husbands. Women underwent foot painful binding to gain a husband, leaving them with withered legs. The details are gruesome to read, but also make one reconsider today’s beauty practices and the lengths we go to attract men. As Lady Tan, Yunxian had to practice medicine quietly until she proved her essential value.
It is another great story from See about the strength and contribution of women whose lives are limited by societal dictates.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Book Club Favorites for a free book.
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LibraryThing member clrichm
Like a lot (too much) of historical fiction, this book was quite starkly sad throughout many parts, but likewise was there much here to warm the heart. Yunxian was a wonderful yet flawed protagonist, and I was sort of terrified that the story would wend down the same road as See’s Snow Flower and
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the Secret Fan with some heartbreaking betrayal between her and Meiling. Thankfully—and I will spoil this, because I searched hard for someone who’d do that for me—there was none of that; the strength of the relationships, even during times of turmoil, was probably the part of the book I most appreciated. A fascinating look at an intriguing woman with a remarkable story. Show Less
LibraryThing member Hccpsk
Fans of Lisa See and historical fiction in general have an excellent new novel to look forward to with Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. Set in 15th century China and based on the real female doctor Tan Yunxian, See uses detailed research and her imagination to paint a detailed life of a remarkable
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woman who manages to practice medicine in a time when most women of her class only saw the inside of two homes — first her father’s and then her husband’s. After the death of her mother, Yunxian finds herself in the home of her grandparents, renowned doctors who take her under their tutelage and teach her while still preparing her for the life of a high-class wife. Yunxian struggles with the challenge of wanting to practice medicine while being the wife, mother, and daughter that society expects. Lady Tan is filled with rich details about life in China, gives readers a complex character in Yunxian, and tells a story about women, family, friendship, and tradition vs. pursuing your passion — what more could a reader want? Show Less
LibraryThing member deslivres5
A 15th-century historical fiction by the awesome Lisa See and based on a real-life Chinese female doctor.
Tan Yunxian comes from an elite medical family where the women have bound feet and yet her grandmother is a noted female doctor. When her grandparents school her in becoming a doctor herself,
The medical and midwifery practices in China at this time in history is fascinating and eye opening.
If you enjoy The Girl in His Shadow/The Surgeon's Daughter focusing on the aggravating obstacles faced by medical students just because of their gender, you will enjoy this one as well.
Tan Yunxian comes from an elite medical family where the women have bound feet and yet her grandmother is a noted female doctor. When her grandparents school her in becoming a doctor herself,
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the family she eventually marries into is not so forward thinking in regards to female doctors.The medical and midwifery practices in China at this time in history is fascinating and eye opening.
If you enjoy The Girl in His Shadow/The Surgeon's Daughter focusing on the aggravating obstacles faced by medical students just because of their gender, you will enjoy this one as well.
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LibraryThing member LynnB
This was an interesting book and I learned a lot about medicine and midwifery in 15th century China. I found the glimpse into the dynamics within a wealthy household fascinating as the matriarch, the heir, the daughter-in-law and the concubines interacted.
The author did a lot of research, and it
The author did a lot of research, and it
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shows, but not always in a way that added to the story. The plot wasn't very exciting and took a soap-opera like turn at the end. This is my second book by Lisa See and it will be my last. Her plots aren't my cup of tea even though the setting was magnificent and fascinating. Show Less
LibraryThing member mojomomma
See is obsessed with foot binding.. The detail is excruciating. We follow the main character from the death of her mother at about age 7 through her early 70’s. She learns what she can of medicine from her grandparents and becomes a female doctor to the women of her family. Much of the novel is
own son, then arrives home
from Beijing to fight a smallpox epidemic.
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devoted to the relationship she has with her mother-in-law and her quest to bear her husband’s family a son. at the climax of the book, she helps deliver the son of the emperor and soon after has herown son, then arrives home
from Beijing to fight a smallpox epidemic.
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LibraryThing member KallieGrace
4.5 stars, this was perfect to read after "Unwell Women" as they both deal with the history of medicine and women but in different cultures. This is heartbreaking, the things done to women over the centuries in the name of pleasing men is appalling. There are graphic descriptions of foot binding,
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and the uncaring physical punishment of a woman who's just miscarried. If there's any hesitation in being a girl's girl still, this should really set you straight. Show Less
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Lovely book. Chinese medicine is so different but the ability to diagnose and treat was amazingly interesting. Also the foot binding and consequences of this practice is interesting.
LibraryThing member tangledthread
Historical fiction about a woman of standing in Chinese society who becomes a practitioner of medicine for women. At her grandmother's (also a medicine woman) behest she become close friend with the daughter of a midwife. The story follows their friendship both personal and professional from
There is a lot about foot binding through the story which is sometimes graphic.
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childhood through their adult lives. It provides a glimpse into the experiences of women from different classes in China from the mid 15th to early 16th century.There is a lot about foot binding through the story which is sometimes graphic.
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LibraryThing member janismack
Story of two friends, one a midwife and the other a doctor.One is high born with bound feet, the other common with big feet. They find frienship and mutual purpose. A captivating story of women helping women.
LibraryThing member DidIReallyReadThat
Another heart breaking story of the lives of women in China. This one tells the story of a female doctor in the 1500s.
LibraryThing member Velmeran
This book was interesting. The character portrayals were well done and the setting was researched and believable [though not always pretty!]. While I enjoyed reading about an empowered woman, there were still many unsettling historical realities that I cannot say that I enjoyed the book. That said,
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the writing was enjoyable even if some of the historical facts were unappealing. Show Less
LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
"Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See is a captivating journey into the world of 15th-century China, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of women in that era.
Lisa See always creates rich and descriptive characters and masterfully crafts compelling storylines. This story
Lisa See writes of the strength of female camaraderie and the sacrifices women make for their dreams, shedding light on the disparities between men and women during that time.
As I read the book I could not help contrasting between Eastern and Western medicine, making the book even more intriguing to me. It is obvious that the author spent a lot of time researching the material for this book. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions and the character development. I also enjoyed the historical and cultural aspects of the story, from foot-binding to the dynamics within an aristocratic household. I was fascinated with the very limited space a woman had. “A good woman should not take three steps beyond the gate.” She went from her father’s home to her husband’s home. At times I chuckled over the terms used, such as honey pot, “a resident is dwelling in your child palace” (that means you are pregnant).
I appreciate the engaging storyline and the depiction of women's support for one another throughout history.
Thank you @SimonandSchuster and @BookClubFavorites for the free book.
Lisa See always creates rich and descriptive characters and masterfully crafts compelling storylines. This story
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is based on the real-life figure Tan Yunxian, a female doctor who defied societal norms to practice medicine. Traditionally, only men practiced medicine and couldn't touch female patients. Yet Tan Yunxian challenged those historical conventions. Lisa See writes of the strength of female camaraderie and the sacrifices women make for their dreams, shedding light on the disparities between men and women during that time.
As I read the book I could not help contrasting between Eastern and Western medicine, making the book even more intriguing to me. It is obvious that the author spent a lot of time researching the material for this book. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions and the character development. I also enjoyed the historical and cultural aspects of the story, from foot-binding to the dynamics within an aristocratic household. I was fascinated with the very limited space a woman had. “A good woman should not take three steps beyond the gate.” She went from her father’s home to her husband’s home. At times I chuckled over the terms used, such as honey pot, “a resident is dwelling in your child palace” (that means you are pregnant).
I appreciate the engaging storyline and the depiction of women's support for one another throughout history.
Thank you @SimonandSchuster and @BookClubFavorites for the free book.
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LibraryThing member Bookish59
See captures the intensity of the accepted culture of brutality and slavery of women in China in the middle ages. She focuses on the wisdom and caring of the few brilliant female doctors who have studied the science of botany and biology, and the many mid-wives who attend the imperial court's
Reading about food-binding rationalized as a way to express love to future husbands is deeply disturbing. Men are definitely NOT the Sun or Heavens to be worshipped. Who came up with this nonsense which continues today throughout the world?
Women need to support and defend each other as did Meiling and Lady Tan, and their circle of friends.
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women, and the women of high-ranking officials. Reading about food-binding rationalized as a way to express love to future husbands is deeply disturbing. Men are definitely NOT the Sun or Heavens to be worshipped. Who came up with this nonsense which continues today throughout the world?
Women need to support and defend each other as did Meiling and Lady Tan, and their circle of friends.
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Awards
RUSA CODES Reading List (Winner — Historical Fiction — 2024)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — Hall of Fame — June 2023)
Original language
English
Original publication date
2023
Physical description
368 p.; 9 inches
ISBN
1982117087 / 9781982117085