*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.
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'A poignant new story exploring the life of a Chinese woman whose fate is bound by her country's patriarchal power structures... The quietly affecting reimagining follows Yunxian from her youth learning about the traditional pillars of Chinese medicine to the beginning of her lifelong friendship with a young midwife-in-training to the years after she is sent into an arranged marriage.' Time
'See envelops her story in the accepted practices of the time: arranged marriages, the buying and selling of concubines, the pressure to provide male heirs, and the crippling and sometimes deadly practice of female foot binding. Despite the inordinate limits placed on women, See allows their strengths to dominate their stories, even though not all women were graced with lives of fulfillment.' Washington Post
'Spellbinding... vividly depicts 15th-century China with artfully woven details, rich characters and descriptive language. See captures a world of propriety and cruelty as she ruminates on the disparity between the lives of men and women, and how women - no matter their class - are treated as possessions of the men around them. But through her strong-willed characters, See also emphasizes how women can act as the anchors of society... an emotional and illuminating epic.' BookPage
'Based on true events, this richly imagined historical novel captures the extraordinary lives of two women in the Ming Dynasty' Woman's Own
'Engaging... 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
'The lives of women in 15th-century China are illuminated in this engrossing novel... Women's friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book.' Kirkus Reviews
'An appealing tale of female love and loyalty... See adds intrigue with a side plot involving a mysterious death, along with notable depictions of footbinding and the intricacies of Chinese medicine. See's fans will find much to enjoy.' Publishers Weekly
'The deft ways the story addresses issues of class and power are intriguing... But the heart of this tale is indeed its titular circle of women, who rally around each other in ways both large and small ... the quiet ways they make space for and uplift one another is touching and heartfelt.' Paste magazine
'See's novel is a portrayal of female strength, resilience, and intelligence... An intimate and absorbing story that immerses readers in the rich cultural and historical context of Ming Dynasty China, revealing the life of a woman whose legacy extends far beyond her time.' Medium
'See envelops her story in the accepted practices of the time: arranged marriages, the buying and selling of concubines, the pressure to provide male heirs, and the crippling and sometimes deadly practice of female foot binding. Despite the inordinate limits placed on women, See allows their strengths to dominate their stories, even though not all women were graced with lives of fulfillment.' Washington Post
'Spellbinding... vividly depicts 15th-century China with artfully woven details, rich characters and descriptive language. See captures a world of propriety and cruelty as she ruminates on the disparity between the lives of men and women, and how women - no matter their class - are treated as possessions of the men around them. But through her strong-willed characters, See also emphasizes how women can act as the anchors of society... an emotional and illuminating epic.' BookPage
'Based on true events, this richly imagined historical novel captures the extraordinary lives of two women in the Ming Dynasty' Woman's Own
'Engaging... 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
'The lives of women in 15th-century China are illuminated in this engrossing novel... Women's friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book.' Kirkus Reviews
'An appealing tale of female love and loyalty... See adds intrigue with a side plot involving a mysterious death, along with notable depictions of footbinding and the intricacies of Chinese medicine. See's fans will find much to enjoy.' Publishers Weekly
'The deft ways the story addresses issues of class and power are intriguing... But the heart of this tale is indeed its titular circle of women, who rally around each other in ways both large and small ... the quiet ways they make space for and uplift one another is touching and heartfelt.' Paste magazine
'See's novel is a portrayal of female strength, resilience, and intelligence... An intimate and absorbing story that immerses readers in the rich cultural and historical context of Ming Dynasty China, revealing the life of a woman whose legacy extends far beyond her time.' Medium
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
"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