What readers think of Lady Tan's Circle of Women, plus links to write your own review.

Doctress, Ming Dynasty, heritage…

A tale loosely based on Lady Tan Yunxian, circa 1469. Tan Yunxian’s circle of women include Grandmother Ru, a doctor to women; Meiling, her friend who is in-training to be a midwife; Poppy, her maid; Miss Zhao, Father’s concubine; and Lady Kuo, her mother-in-law.

The story begins in 1469 when Tan Yunxian is 8yo and continues to unfold until 1556 when she is 96yo. You will learn about her childhood, learning about Chinese medicine from her Grandmother, her lifelong friendship with Meiling, her role as a dr to women, and her role/burdens/obligations as Lady Tan, “ running the household.”

Tan Yunxian’s life tells of an inner strength. Female friendships and family relationships will become known.

The author mentions “mind pictures.” I can see & hear all that is described in this beautifully scripted story.

Very descriptive writing. Ex: gardens, customs, fashion, and medical formulas/practices.

Detail-oriented. Well researched.

Held my interest from begin to end.

Elegantly written. Ex: “Even the best banquet must end & the guests depart.” (p. 305 describing death)

An addictive read - was hard to put down.

This would be a great book for book club. Lots to discuss!

Don’t skip the author’s note.

What a splendid story created especially when little is known about the REAL Tan Yunxian.

Kudos! I highly recommend for your TBR pile!

Based on the life of 14th century female Chinese physician, Tan Yunxian, Lisa See's latest novel provides an intimate behind the walls look at the lives of upper-class women during China's Ming Dynasty.

After her mother's death, eight-year-old Yunxian is sent by her emotionally as well as physically distant father to live with her grandparents, who are both physicians. There she meets Meiling. Yunxian and Meiling, whose mother is a famous midwife, develop a lifelong friendship, the bonds which cannot be broken by physical and social distance.

The author's meticulous research into the lives of upper-class women, including wives and concubines, as well as middle and lower class women, was evident on every page. The writing was spectacular; descriptions of locations and conversation placed me right in the middle of the situation. The characters' personalities were written so that a whole person, good and bad, was revealed. I learned so much from this book. I had heard and seen pictures of an empress with bound feet on her throne, but knew nothing of the tortuous process or why it was desirous and limited to the upper class. Having worked in healthcare for over 40 years, the information on illnesses and their treatments with traditional Chinese medicine was of particular interest to me. I was amazed that in the midst of yin and yang that the diagnosis was accurate, and portions of the treatment was much like current therapy. The description of the diagnosis and treatment of Yunxian's mother-in-law's cough will stay with me for a long time.

Usually, I can find something that makes a book less than a 5 on a scale of 0-5, but not with this book. Like its cover, it is a gorgeous book that I highly recommend. As soon as it is published, I am recommending this novel to my book club.