Summary
Lady Tan's Circle of Women is an immersive work of historical fiction by acclaimed author Lisa See. The novel, released in 2023, was inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian, a remarkable woman physician in 15th-century China. Through her meticulous research and vivid storytelling. See brings to life both a world in which education was deemed worthless for women and one determined woman who defied societal norms to leave a lasting impact on medical history.
The novel delves into the complexities of Chinese medicine, friendship, and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Through the protagonist's journey, readers gain insight into the unique challenges faced by intelligent, educated women during the Ming dynasty, including the everyday realities of bound feet, arranged marriages, and the power dynamics within households. Lady Tan's Circle of Women stands as a testament to the enduring power of female friendships and the importance of women supporting one another.
Plot
Lady Tan's Circle of Women follows the life of Tan Yunxian, a young woman in 15th-century China. Born into an elite family, Yunxian is raised by her grandparents after her mother's death. Her grandmother, one of the few female doctors in China, teaches her the art of Chinese medicine. Alongside her friend Meiling, a midwife-in-training, Yunxian learns about women's health and illnesses, forming a strong bond despite the traditional separation between doctors and midwives.
Yunxian's life takes a dramatic turn when she enters an arranged marriage. Her mother-in-law restricts her from practicing medicine and seeing Meiling, insisting that Yunxian conform to the role of a proper wife. Confined within the family compound, Yunxian is expected to embroider, recite poetry, and bear sons. However, her passion for medicine and her desire to help other women remain strong, leading her to secretly treat patients within the household.
As the story progresses, Yunxian faces numerous challenges, including a difficult childbirth and a mysterious death in the family. These events test her medical skills and her relationships. Despite the obstacles, she continues to practice medicine covertly and maintains her friendship with Meiling. Yunxian's reputation as a skilled physician grows, eventually leading to her being summoned to the Forbidden City to assist with a royal birth.
The novel culminates with Yunxian gaining acceptance for her medical practice and becoming a respected physician. She compiles a book of her medical cases, many of which are still used centuries later. Throughout her journey, Yunxian navigates the complex dynamics of family, friendship, and societal expectations, ultimately carving out a remarkable path for herself in a time when women's roles were severely limited.
Themes
The roles and expectations for women in traditional Chinese society
The power of friendship and female solidarity
Sources of women’s empowerment and ability to challenge societal norms
The importance of education and knowledge
Balancing tradition with personal ambition
The struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field
The enduring impact of one's legacy
Setting
Set in 15th-century China during the Ming dynasty, Lady Tan's Circle of Women transports readers to a time of strict social hierarchies and limited opportunities for women. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a society deeply influenced by Confucian principles, where educated women were routinely considered worthless and expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers.
The novel primarily takes place in Wuxi, a city in eastern China known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Key locations include the Mansion of Golden Light, the ancestral home of the protagonist's grandparents, and the Garden of Fragrant Delights, the family compound of her husband's clan. These settings serve as microcosms of the larger societal structures and constraints of the era.
The story also ventures beyond Wuxi, taking readers to the imperial capital of Beijing and the Forbidden City. This expansion of setting not only highlights the vast geographical and cultural landscape of Ming dynasty China but also underscores the exceptional nature of Tan Yunxian's journey as she navigates the complexities of her society and profession.
Characters
Tan Yunxian: The protagonist, a woman physician in 15th-century China. Born into an elite family, Yunxian is trained in Chinese medicine by her grandmother. Struggling against societal restrictions to practice medicine and help women, she eventually becomes a renowned doctor whose remedies are used centuries later.
Meiling: Yunxian's close friend, a midwife-in-training. She forms a strong bond with Yunxian despite the social divide between doctors and midwives. Meiling faces her own challenges and triumphs, including working in the Forbidden City.
Grandmother Ru: Yunxian's grandmother, one of the few female doctors in China. She teaches Yunxian the fundamentals of Chinese medicine and serves as a role model for her granddaughter's aspirations.
Lady Kuo: Yunxian's mother-in-law who initially forbids her from practicing medicine. She represents the traditional expectations for wives in Chinese society but eventually comes to accept Yunxian's medical pursuits.
Yang Maoren: Yunxian's husband. The son of a prominent merchant family, he plays a supporting role in Yunxian's life and career.
Miss Chou: A concubine in the Yang household. She forms an alliance with Yunxian and helps her during the smallpox outbreak.
Doctor Wong: The Yang family's doctor who becomes an antagonist to Yunxian. He is revealed to have darker motives and connections to past events.
Quick facts
Lady Tan's Circle of Women is inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian, a rare and respected woman physician in 15th-century China.
The title refers to the network of women who support and learn from each other throughout the novel.
The story spans several decades of Yunxian's life, from childhood to old age.
A key theme is the power of female friendship, especially between Yunxian and Meiling.
The novel sheds light on the practice of Chinese medicine, particularly the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking.
Foot binding, a painful practice imposed on women in imperial China, plays a significant role in the novel.
The novel depicts the contrast between doctors and midwives in traditional Chinese society.
A work of historical fiction, it provides insight into life within the Forbidden City and the imperial court.
Lady Tan's Circle of Women became a New York Times bestseller shortly after its release in June 2023.
Many of Yunxian's medical remedies described in the book are still used five centuries later.
About the Author
Lisa See (1955-) is an American author known for historical novels that explore Chinese and Chinese-American experiences. Her work often focuses on the bonds between women and brings to light forgotten or hidden stories. See's bestselling novels, including Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, and Lady Tan's Circle of Women, have been praised for their authentic portrayals of Chinese characters and cultures.
See's writing career began with On Gold Mountain, a nonfiction account of her Chinese-American family's history. She then ventured into fiction with her Red Princess mystery series before focusing on historical novels set in China. Her books have been translated into 39 languages and received numerous accolades.
In addition to her books, See worked as a West Coast correspondent for Publishers Weekly and has written for various magazines. See has also contributed to the arts, writing a libretto for the Los Angeles Opera and curating exhibitions on Chinese-American experiences for various museums and cultural institutions, recognized with awards from the Chinese American Museum and the Organization of Chinese American Women. Making her home in Los Angeles, she continues to be an active voice in the literary world and serves on several boards, including those of the Los Angeles Opera and The Music Center.
