Sent into an arranged marriage, Tan Yunxian, forbidden to continue her work as a midwife-in-training as well as see her forever friend Meiling, is ordered to act like proper wife and seeks a way to continue treating women and girls from every level of society in fifteenth-century China. - (Baker & Taylor)

*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. - (Findaway World Llc)

Booklist Reviews

Lisa See's latest engrossing historical novel is based on a true story of a woman physician in 15th century China. Tan Yunxian was born into a rich family, but after her mother dies, she is raised by her grandparents, both of whom are practicing doctors. Yunxian gains an education unlike most elite women of her class who were usually valued only for their beauty and fertility. Yunxian befriends the midwife's daughter Meiling, and even though they are of different classes, they remain friends through thick and thin. Barriers arise due to societal standards, but Yunxian and Meiling use their connection to help each other become successful as doctor and midwife. Together they make change in the circle of women that surrounds them. Jennifer Lim narrates with a youthful tone expressing the frustration of women and their roles in social hierarchy. From desperate wishes to have children to begging for another life, her voice captures the struggle these women go through. Moving along at a gradual pace, Lim carries the listener through this richly detailed story of Chinese culture, the strength of women, and the power of friendship. Justin Chien delivers the postscript with a clear and knowledgeable tone sharing some of the truths of Tan Yunxian's life. For fans of Amy Tan and Lisa See's other historical novels. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.

Library Journal Reviews

Actress Jennifer Lim's subdued narration brings a down-to-earth realism to See's (The Island of Sea Women) new novel, inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian, a woman physician who practiced in 15th-century Ming China. Born to an elite family of scholars and trained by her physician grandparents, Yunxian is introduced to a midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two become fast friends and stay connected throughout the ups and downs of their lives. After marrying into a wealthy family, Yunxian is forced to stop her work and is restricted to a narrow, Confucianism-centered world with constant supervision. Here, her medical knowledge is irrelevant; it is only her beauty and her ability to bear children that determine her worth. This tale of traditional medicine, foot-binding, and the suffocating lives of women confined to "inside rooms" is bracketed by introductory and postscript materials narrated by actor, writer, and producer Justin Chien, who also voices several of Yunxian's male relatives. VERDICT Share with See's loyal fans and anyone interested in Chinese history and medicine. An excellent recommendation for book groups and for readers who enjoy historical fiction about women living in highly regulated patriarchal societies.—David Faucheux