Check out our Most Anticipated Books for 2025

Summary and Reviews of Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

Lady Tan's Circle of Women

A Novel

by Lisa See
  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Jun 6, 2023, 368 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jun 2024, 368 pages
  • Rate this book

  • Buy This Book

About This Book

Book Summary

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 Snowflower 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 considered remarkable today.

Coming soon.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
  1. The opening of this novel begins with a preface which includes the line "My cousin has excelled at treating women because she has shared in the losses and joys of what it means to be a female on this earth." How does this set up the novel and what is to come for Yunxian? After reading the novel, what does it mean to be a "female on this earth?"
  2. How does the death of Respectful Lady shape Yunxian? What lessons from Respectful Lady does Yunxian carry with her? When Respectful Lady is near her end, she mutters: "To live is to suffer." How is this a warning for Yunxian early in the novel?
  3. Grandfather Tan and Grandmother Ru have very different ideas about childbirth. Who do you agree with, and why? Although 500 years have passed since the ...
Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!

Here are some of the comments posted about Lady Tan's Circle of Women.
You can see the full discussion here.


A case could be made that Yunxian was a modern woman. What are some of the ways she balances work and family? Do you see yourself in her?
I think she was a modern woman in many ways. As a midwife she served her patients well and was a good example to her family too. A most admirable woman! - Sooz

Discuss the relationship between Yunxian and her servant Poppy and how it evolves throughout the novel. When do you think Yunxian comes to fully appreciate Poppy and see her as a real human being? How does that change their relationship?
I think her relationship with Poppy evolved. At first, she felt betrayed by Poppy over the letters, but Poppy really didn't have a choice about handing them over. She redeems herself by getting the midwives there to help with the birth of her ... - ColoradoGirl

Each character—and Yunxian’s relationship to that person—changes and evolves over time. How does Yunxian come to see and understand the characters of Miss Zhao, Miss Chen, Lady Kuo, Doctor Wong, and her husband and father?
I liked how the relationship between Yunxian and Miss Zhao evolved from one in which Yunxian resented Miss Zhao's presence as her Father's concubine to one in which Yunxian comes to love and respect Miss Zhao for her kindness and her ... - pamelas

Grandfather Tan and Grandmother Ru have very different ideas about childbirth. Who do you agree with, and why? Do you think these contradictory ideas still hold true today - not just for childbirth but for women’s medical care in general?
I support Grandmother Ru's views based on her experience working with women. She argues well with Grandfather Tan and it appears at times she changes his opinions on a variety of subjects especially childbirth. I know today ... - Gardenlily

How are aphorisms important to the story? What message is Miss Chen trying to convey to Yunxian? Lisa considers these aphorisms to be true across time and cultures. Do you agree? How have they played out in your life, if at all?
The inclusion of aphorisms in this book helped one picture the role ancient culture played in this book. Today, we wouldn't say "no mud, no lotus" but would say "no pain, no gain". Lisa See helps us see that 15th Century... - Gardenlily

Membership Advantages
  • Reviews
  • "Beyond the Book" articles
  • Free books to read and review (US only)
  • Find books by time period, setting & theme
  • Read-alike suggestions by book and author
  • Book club discussions
  • and much more!
  • Just $45 for 12 months or $15 for 3 months.
  • More about membership!

Reviews

Media Reviews

Katie Couric Media
Lady Tan's Circle of Women has everything you could want in a dramatic tale of female friendship.

Washington Post
Despite the inordinate limits placed on women, See allows their strengths to dominate their stories

Booklist (starred review)
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.

Kirkus Reviews
Although the book's pace can sometimes slow, it's packed with historical detail...Women's friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book

Publisher's Weekly
Though the pacing can feel slow and the outcome a tad predictable, 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.

Reader Reviews

frances k turner

excellent book for book club.
I read and listened to the audio book; enjoyed. Looking for questions and answers for bookclub discussion.
Redheadedsusie Susie

Female power in the midst of Extreme Patriarcy
The book is about Yun’s life in Imperial China, a time where feet binding, child marriage, and servitude are the norm. Yun is lucky enough to have a feminist grandmother who teaches her the honorable role of treating women. The book covers the ...   Read More
Janet M.

Super Read
Lisa See does not disappoint. She takes us back in time when it was Imperial China. The historical accuracy of life then is amazing. I was suprised to learn about women doctors and midwifes and the role they played even in upper class homes. I so ...   Read More
Debbie

Very Good Read
This is a very good book. It tells you about some of the history of that part of China. I could not put it down.

Write your own review!

Membership Advantages
  • Reviews
  • "Beyond the Book" articles
  • Free books to read and review (US only)
  • Find books by time period, setting & theme
  • Read-alike suggestions by book and author
  • Book club discussions
  • and much more!
  • Just $45 for 12 months or $15 for 3 months.
  • More about membership!

Read-Alikes

Read-Alikes Full readalike results are for members only

If you liked Lady Tan's Circle of Women, try these:

Books with similar themes


Membership Advantages
  • Reviews
  • "Beyond the Book" articles
  • Free books to read and review (US only)
  • Find books by time period, setting & theme
  • Read-alike suggestions by book and author
  • Book club discussions
  • and much more!
  • Just $45 for 12 months or $15 for 3 months.
  • More about membership!

Top Picks

  • Book Jacket: The Message
    The Message
    by Ta-Nehisi Coates
    It does not surprise me that Ta-Nehisi Coates' The Message is one of the most important books I've ...
  • Book Jacket
    The House of Doors
    by Tan Twan Eng
    Every July, I take on the overly ambitious goal of reading all of the novels chosen as longlist ...
  • Book Jacket: The Puzzle Box
    The Puzzle Box
    by Danielle Trussoni
    During the tumultuous last days of the Tokugawa shogunate, a 17-year-old emperor known as Meiji ...
  • Book Jacket
    Something, Not Nothing
    by Sarah Leavitt
    In 2020, after a lifetime of struggling with increasingly ill health, Sarah Leavitt's partner, ...

Members Recommend

  • Book Jacket

    Pony Confidential
    by Christina Lynch

    In this whimsical mystery, a grumpy pony must clear his beloved human's name from a murder accusation.

Who Said...

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don'...

Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Wordplay

Solve this clue:

X M T S

and be entered to win..