Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See fictionalizes the life of Tan Yunxian, a female physician in Ming dynasty China, shaped by her mother’s early death and education by her medical practitioner grandparents. Despite societal constraints, Yunxian marries into a wealthy family and navigates her roles as wife and mother while secretly treating women medically, inspired by her friendship with midwife Meiling to defy tradition and support women's health care across social classes. The novel contains instances of violence, medical trauma, and gender-based discrimination.

Lisa See's Lady Tan's Circle of Women receives praise for its meticulous historical research and vibrant portrayal of female relationships in ancient China. Reviewers commend the engaging narrative and strong character development. However, some find the pacing occasionally slow and the plot predictable. Overall, a compelling read with rich cultural insights.

An ideal reader for Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is someone who enjoys historical fiction rich in cultural detail and strong female characters. Fans of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club or Lisa See’s own The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane would appreciate this novel’s exploration of Chinese heritage, friendships, and women’s roles in society.

Inspirational / Emotional / Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Romantic

Lisa See

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Lady Tan's Circle of Women Summary and Study Guide

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Lady Tan's Circle of Women Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Milk Days: The Fifth Year of the Chengua Emperor’s Reign (1469)”

Preface-Part 1

Lady Tan's Circle of Women Preface-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Hair-Pinning Days: The Twelfth Through Thirteenth Years of the Chenghua Emperor’s Reign (1476-1477)”

Part 2 Lady Tan's Circle of Women Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Rice-and-Salt Days: The Third Through Fifth Years of the Hongzhi Emperor’s Reign (1490-1492)”

Part 3 Lady Tan's Circle of Women Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Sitting Quietly: The Fifth Through Sixth Years of the Zhendge Emperor’s Reign (1510-1511)”

Lady Tan's Circle of Women

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