ReviewsPraise 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, Engrossing...rich...packed with historical detail...Women's friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book., 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., Lady Tan's Circle of Women has everything you could want in a dramatic tale of female friendship.
Dewey Edition23/eng/20230519
Dewey Decimal813/.54
Synopsis* NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!* 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.