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Lady Tan's Circle of Women: A Novel Hardcover – June 6, 2023
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From “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review) an immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China—perfect for fans of Lisa See’s classics Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.
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, 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 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? A captivating story of women helping each other, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a triumphant reimagining of the life of one person who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherScribner
- Publication dateJune 6, 2023
- Dimensions6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101982117087
- ISBN-13978-1982117085
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Review
—Washington Post
"Lady Tan’s Circle of Women has everything you could want in a dramatic tale of female friendship."
—Katie Couric Media
"Based on the writings of an historical Ming dynasty female physician, See’s accomplished novel immerses readers in a fascinating life lived within a fascinating culture."
—Booklist (starred review)
"Engrossing…rich…packed with historical detail…Women’s friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book."
—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Lisa See
"See is one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot."
—New York Times Book Review
Praise for Island of Sea Women
“Vivid ... thoughtful and empathetic ... necessary."
—New York Times Book Review
“Lisa See’s mesmerizing new historical novel…celebrates women’s strengths—and the strength of their friendships.”
—O, The Oprah Magazine
“Painstakingly researched…deft…a powerful and essential story of humanity.”
—The Los Angeles Review of Books
"Compelling ... takes readers on a journey spanning generations — in this case 1938 to 2008 — as moments of cherished friendship, unspeakable tragedy and, in the end, a plot twist worthy of Raymond Chandler unfold."
—Associated Press
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Scribner; First Edition (June 6, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1982117087
- ISBN-13 : 978-1982117085
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #11,864 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #54 in Asian American Literature & Fiction
- #586 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction
- #1,190 in Literary Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Island of Sea Women, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, and China Dolls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the strong bonds between women. These books have been celebrated for their authentic, deeply researched, lyrical stories about Chinese characters and cultures. Ms. See’s new novel, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, is inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian—a woman born in the 15th century who became a doctor of women and girls. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is not only a captivating story of women helping women, but it is also a triumphant reimaging of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable and inspirational today.
Ms. See has always been intrigued by stories that have been lost, forgotten, or deliberately covered up, whether in the past or happening right now in the world today. For Snow Flower, she traveled to a remote area of China—where she was told she was only the second foreigner ever to visit—to research the secret writing invented, used, and kept a secret by women for over a thousand years. Amy Tan called the novel “achingly beautiful, a marvel of imagination.” Others agreed, and foreign-language rights for Snow Flower were sold to 39 countries. The novel also became a New York Times bestseller, a Booksense Number One Pick, has won numerous awards domestically and internationally, and was made into a feature film produced by Fox Searchlight.
Ms. See was born in Paris but grew up in Los Angeles. She lived with her mother but spent a lot of time with her father’s family in Chinatown. Her first book, On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family (1995), was a national bestseller and a New York Times Notable Book. The book traces the journey of Lisa’s great-grandfather, Fong See, who overcame obstacles at every step to become the 100-year-old godfather of Los Angeles’s Chinatown and the patriarch of a sprawling family.
While collecting the details for On Gold Mountain, she developed the idea for her first novel, Flower Net (1997), which was a national bestseller, a New York Times Notable Book, and on the Los Angeles Times Best Books List for 1997. Flower Net was also nominated for an Edgar award for best first novel. This was followed by two more mystery-thrillers, The Interior (2000) and Dragon Bones (2003), which once again featured the characters of Liu Hulan and David Stark. This series inspired critics to compare Ms. See to Upton Sinclair, Dashiell Hammett, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Ms. See has led an active and varied career. She was the Publishers Weekly West Coast Correspondent for thirteen years. As a freelance journalist, her articles have appeared in Vogue, Self, and More, as well as in numerous book reviews around the country. She wrote the libretto for Los Angeles Opera based on On Gold Mountain, which premiered in June 2000 at the Japan American Theatre and was remounted in the Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library and Gardens in 2022. She also served as guest curator for an exhibit on the Chinese-American experience at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, which then traveled to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., in 2001. Ms. See then helped develop and curate the Family Discovery Gallery at the Autry Museum, an interactive space for children and their families that focused on Lisa’s bi-racial, bi-cultural family as seen through the eyes of her father as a seven-year-old boy living in 1930s Los Angeles. She has designed a walking tour of Los Angeles Chinatown and wrote the companion guidebook for Angels Walk L.A. to celebrate the opening of the MTA’s Chinatown metro station. She also curated the inaugural exhibition—a retrospective of artist Tyrus Wong—for the grand opening of the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles.
Ms. See was honored as National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women in 2001, was the recipient of the Chinese American Museum’s History Makers Award in 2003, and received the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California in 2017. She sits on the boards of Los Angeles Opera, The Music Center, the 1871 Chinese Massacre Foundation, and the Trusteeship—an organization comprised of preeminent women of achievement and influence in diverse fields.
Ms. See lives in Los Angeles. To learn more, please visit her web site at www.LisaSee.com. You can also follow her adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and fascinating. They appreciate the historical context and insights into Chinese culture from the book. The writing quality is described as poetic and detailed. Readers enjoy the glimpse into the lives of women in China during the 1400s. They find the characters interesting, intelligent, and easy to love. The insight provided by the book is empowering and profound.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story's engrossing and fascinating narrative. They find the drama, hierarchy, intrigue, and betrayals compelling. The story is described as inspiring and touching, with memorable characters. While not as heart-pounding as other books, it has historical context and drama. Readers praise the author's talent and consider the book a unique work.
"...They had real staying power. This was a fascinating read, much more in depth and broader than I expected. Definitely recommend!" Read more
"...She lived an adventure that was very interesting to read. It makes us enjoy what we have and who we are as women now." Read more
"Loved this book so much I bought one for my secret Santa. Such a good book about sisterhood, motherhood & friendship...." Read more
"...It is a beautiful, inspiring story rich in memorable characters, told from a woman's perspective. Lovely." Read more
Customers find the book an engaging historical novel about Chinese medicine. They appreciate the well-researched details about ancient treatments and remedies. The book provides a window into Chinese life and culture in the 15th century, as well as a story about socioeconomic divisions in the 1500s.
"...for women through midwifery, herbal remedies, and treatments learned through personal study, recording cases, and passing this on generation to..." Read more
"...The action takes forefront in the later part of the book. It is well researched, immersive in historical information and vividly describes the people..." Read more
"...Such a good book about sisterhood, motherhood & friendship. Historical fiction & also some “true crime” elements." Read more
"Beautifully written. It will transport you to another time and you will see the world through the eyes of Yunxian Tan- One of the first females to..." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the poetic tone and details in the book. The author weaves facts with fiction to create a portrait of women's lives during the Ming dynasty. They praise her imagination and research skills.
"Beautifully written...." Read more
"...Everything is described in detail using beautiful and not so beautiful language. Tan Yunxian came from a prestigious family and married into another...." Read more
"This book is so well written that I could literally imagine life on their family compound...." Read more
"book well written for period enjoyed" Read more
Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it a nice and well-written novel about women in China in the 1400s. The book highlights the strength of women and how far we have come. Readers appreciate the main character as a healer, and the underlying message about women's relationships.
"...This offered me a tremendous amount of ideas and thoughts about our her-story and how we lift each other...." Read more
"...ancient Chinese medicine and customs but also celebrates the resilience of women throughout history. "..." Read more
"...It is such an inspiring story about how strong women truly are...." Read more
"...recommended it and also because one of my favorite genres is historical fiction with female protagonists." Read more
Customers find the characters fascinating and intelligent. They describe them as beautifully drawn and easy to love. The story is compelling with a strong female protagonist. The author vividly describes people, clothes, food, tea, and other details.
"...The characters were so well described and developed along the plot lines. They had real staying power...." Read more
"...is well researched, immersive in historical information and vividly describes the people, clothes, food, tea, and atmosphere, living environments...." Read more
"...It is a beautiful, inspiring story rich in memorable characters, told from a woman's perspective. Lovely." Read more
"...of Women" is a compelling and heartwarming read with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating glimpse into Chinese history...." Read more
Customers find the book empowering and enlightening. They appreciate the insights into medicine for women and life lessons expressed in poetic phrases. The story is described as profound, uplifting, and triumphant.
"...The focus is on women caring for women through midwifery, herbal remedies, and treatments learned through personal study, recording cases, and..." Read more
"...Such a good book about sisterhood, motherhood & friendship. Historical fiction & also some “true crime” elements." Read more
"...This offered me a tremendous amount of ideas and thoughts about our her-story and how we lift each other...." Read more
"...beautifully portrays Yunxian's journey from a young, obedient wife to a powerful healer, offering an inspiring narrative of her personal growth...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it enthralling, refreshing, and heartwarming. The story is satisfying and well-researched, with many twists and turns that keep them turning the pages.
"...Lady Tan's Circle of Women" is a compelling and heartwarming read with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating glimpse into Chinese history...." Read more
"...descriptions of remedies still used by some, and enough human interest to keep readers engrossed. Not a quick read. Not always easy to contemplate...." Read more
"What an enchanting and educational novel Lisa See has so eloquently crafted...." Read more
"Immensely enjoyable. Fascinating account of ancient Chinese doctors and women's fight to gain recognition." Read more
Customers enjoy the realistic portrayal of friendships in the book. They find the relationships fascinating, especially the lifelong connections and bonds of love between women. The emotional stories of women's relationships are described as beautiful and emotional. Readers also appreciate the dynamics of family and science woven throughout the book.
"...It is about love, friendship, grief, the desperation of females during this dynasty and her remarkable life. I enjoyed this story...." Read more
"...Such a good book about sisterhood, motherhood & friendship. Historical fiction & also some “true crime” elements." Read more
"...The story highlights the strong bonds among the women in Yunxian's life, emphasizing the importance of female solidarity...." Read more
"...does carve an honorable place in society by sharing wisdom and caring for each other." Read more
Reviews with images
A must read.. based on a true story!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024Lisa See has opened our eyes to a true history and saga of generations of Chinese women alive around 500 years ago. The focus is on women caring for women through midwifery, herbal remedies, and treatments learned through personal study, recording cases, and passing this on generation to generation. The reader is swept up in the rituals of women in every class of life, every fortune and misfortune. The practice of footbinding is at its peak and it is also not without need for serious medical attention. The details of scenes surrounding this as well as labor and delivery show a gradual but hopeful passage. Male physicians who could not see or touch their female patients had largely useless/harmful remedies for crises in labor and delivery. This new circle of women, giving each other courage and the wisdom of shared knowledge, did know how to help. And help they did, from the tiller lady to the empress of China. Did not see that coming in the male-centric power structure which was the backbone of most of the story. The characters were so well described and developed along the plot lines. They had real staying power. This was a fascinating read, much more in depth and broader than I expected. Definitely recommend!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2024This 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024Loved this book so much I bought one for my secret Santa. Such a good book about sisterhood, motherhood & friendship. Historical fiction & also some “true crime” elements.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024I never wanted to put this one down! I'm a psychotherapist who is 72 and has a practice specialized in empowering women. This offered me a tremendous amount of ideas and thoughts about our her-story and how we lift each other. It is a beautiful, inspiring story rich in memorable characters, told from a woman's perspective. Lovely.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024Beautifully written. It will transport you to another time and you will see the world through the eyes of Yunxian Tan- One of the first females to secretly study Chinese medicine. A lot of research was conducted to bring to life this very compelling historical fictional story of the old days in China and the relationships, survival and suffering of women. I’m eager to read more Lisa See. 😊
- Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023"Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See is a captivating historical fiction novel set in Ming dynasty China. It tells the story of Tan Yunxian, a determined female physician who defied societal norms to pursue her passion for medicine. The book beautifully portrays Yunxian's journey from a young, obedient wife to a powerful healer, offering an inspiring narrative of her personal growth.
Lisa See skillfully weaves history and fiction to provide readers with a vivid understanding of the challenges and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society. The story highlights the strong bonds among the women in Yunxian's life, emphasizing the importance of female solidarity.
This novel not only offers insights into ancient Chinese medicine and customs but also celebrates the resilience of women throughout history. "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" is a compelling and heartwarming read with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating glimpse into Chinese history. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate captivating historical fiction and stories of women who defied the odds.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024First time I’ve read Lisa See, but I’m already looking looking forward to another one. This book is hard to put down. It is such an inspiring story about how strong women truly are. In a time when women had very little choice and were valued based on very specific traits and abilities, Tan Yunxian truly breaks the mold. I love the dynamic and complex characters that Lisa See created, reminding us that everyone has their own history, insecurities, and motivations, and they can often surprise you. This book is truly one of my favorites and ranks up there with ‘The Red Tent’ and ‘The Women’.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024For me it got a little too wordy. I liked the story line but it grew tiresome. The history aspect was very interesting.
Top reviews from other countries
- Jill CrosslandReviewed in Canada on August 28, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See delivers all the elements necessary for a great book, starting with her main character.
"Tan Yunxian, a real-life woman who lived in China during the Ming dynasty. She became a "ming yi" — famous doctor — and published a compendium of 31 cases in the work "Miscellaneous Records of a Female Doctor."
The complex tapestry of women in Lady Tan's circle – concubines, servants, and nobility all add to Tan's intriguing life story. Her journey from a young girl to an elderly woman is never dull; one remains intrigued from the first moment we meet her in 1938 China. As the book progresses, China's culture and history unfurl before us, as do Tan's life milestones. I have always loved a well-researched book, one which leaves me knowing a little more than I did when I started it. Lisa See is brilliant at achieving this in a way that is never boring. She also gifts us with an intriguing mystery which allows for some fascinating scenes centered around China's legal system of that time.
Many reviews call this a book about female friendship, but it is much more. It is one woman's unique role in the Ming dynasty. Lady Tan's Circle of Women is an unforgettable and compelling read.
Interestingly, many of Lady Tan's meticulously developed natural remedies for female illnesses, both physical and mental, remain in use today. Somehow, she managed to practice and thrive in a medical world that could be as brutal as it was enlightened.
I recommend you take the time to read See's 'Acknowledgements' at the end of the book, as this will lead you down the path of her research and onto a treasure trove of interesting websites, not the least of which is Bana Tea Company as tea has a minor yet critical role throughout the book.
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Carmen MerinoReviewed in Mexico on August 14, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Histórica y majestuosa trama
Me fascinó como describe los usos y costumbres en China del s.15, y el rol de la mujer y, en contraste, la historia de la protagonista: una mujer médico.
- ShazReviewed in Germany on November 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars This one's a page turner!
I absolutely loved this and could hardly put it down. Lisa See really takes you into the lives of women in 15th century China. Although this is fiction, it's based on a real woman - China's first female doctor. That said (spoiler alert coming up now!) .... you'll find it was really her grandmother who was the first doctor. This book encouraged me to research themes like foot binding, eunuchs, concubines, and traditional Chinese medicine. Lisa See's writing style is exquisite and beautiful. I'll definitely be reading more of her books!
Shaz
Reviewed in Germany on November 4, 2024
Images in this review -
Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on August 23, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Una Novela estupenda y muy bien escrita
Novela basada en personas reales. Combina realidad y ficción explicando como era la sociedad en China en el s. XV
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DeboraReviewed in Italy on July 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro da Lisa See lady tans circle of women
Her best yet. Have packet the book as my youngsters want to read it.
Sua migliore fino adesso. Ho messo via per mia figli.