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.

Here are some of the recent comments posted about Lady Tan's Circle of Women.
You can read the full discussion here, and please do participate if you wish.
Be aware that this discussion will contain spoilers!

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? (7 responses)

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? (9 responses)

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 son. I agree with conniehg, Poppy... - 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? (7 responses)

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 teachings. The description of a concubine's role in... - 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? (13 responses)

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 there are women who use midwives to help with the ... - 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? (4 responses)

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 Chinese culture has impact today especially with ... - Gardenlily

How do Yunxian and Meiling each benefit from their relationship? Are there downsides for each of them? What does friendship mean to you? (8 responses)

Yes, carriem! You hit the nail on the head here. This author does a great job with female friendship. That really struck me after reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and again with this book - ColoradoGirl

How does the death of Respectful Lady shape Yunxian? What lessons from her does Yunxian carry with her? When she nears her end, she mutters: “To live is to suffer.” How is this a warning for Yunxian? (15 responses)

I think her mother's death affected Xunxian in two important aspects of her life. First, it led her in the direction of medicine and learning to prevent some of the physical suffering she saw. And I think it led her to see the mental suffering caused by the culture itself and to grow beyond ... - patriciag

How does the preface 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?” (6 responses)

I agree with the other posters, it really set the stage for what was to come in the novel. I really learned a lot about medicine, especially treating women - ColoradoGirl

How does time and memory inspire us to examine neglected objects? Have you experienced newfound inspiration or ideas by the objects around your home? (6 responses)

I thought it was fascinating that Lisa See became inspired by something that was available to her for years before pulling out the book and using it as a muse. I tend to find a similar viewpoint to my TBR shelves. I walk past them and ignore certain books and then I am drawn to a book, and it is ... - deed

In a novel primarily about women, were you sympathetic to any of the male characters? Do you believe they treated the women in their lives fairly? (17 responses)

I find it interesting that none of the responses link the reality of women's lives portrayed in this book with the reality that women today are still fighting for their rights all across the globe. The Patriarchy still exists. The culture described by Lisa See was changing...very, very slowly.... - millicentg

Overall, what did you think of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women? (No spoilers) (31 responses)

I really enjoyed Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. The book was well-written and obviously very well-researched. The insights into medieval Chinese medicine were fascinating. The Chinese culture of the time was entirely foreign and interesting to me. This was the first book by Lisa See that I have ... - barbarar

The Dragon Boat Festival looms large in Yunxian’s imagination. What does it mean for her—and the other women who reside in the Garden of Fragrant Delights—to finally get to attend? (14 responses)

I thought this was a great full-circle moment for the book. Lady Tan is finally in a powerful enough position where she can change something. She's able to experience this event for herself rather than having Meiling explain it to her - ColoradoGirl

What are the main plotlines related to having a son? Consider the perspectives of Spinster Aunt, Miss Chen, Doctor Wong, Midwife Shi, Lady Kuo, and Meiling and Yunxian. Were these characters out for his or her own self-interest? (3 responses)

It is very clear that males are preferred during this time, it's hard to think about being disappointed that you deliver a girl. In the historical context, I can comprehend it, but it clashes with my contemporary mindset. I think Dr. Wong's actions were awful, but likely... - ColoradoGirl

What audience would you recommend this novel for? Are there other books that you’ve read that you felt were similar, either in themes or writing style? (18 responses)

This would make a great book club book. It's fascinating to read historical fiction like this to see how things have evolved. Anyone interesting in Chinese medicine would enjoy it too - ColoradoGirl

What does Yunxian see as her possibilities for a successful life and for the life of her daughters and all women? Is it possible for her to imagine a future where the status of women is not dictated by tradition? (7 responses)

Even today, I think it’s hard, if not impossible, to imagine a time where tradition doesn’t, in some sense, dictate the future. I think it’s more of a matter of tradition evolving into a shape that enhances life, as opposed to crushing it - Stephanie

What was the most interesting thing you learned about ancient Chinese medicine? (29 responses)

I am loving this book! So full of fascinating information and insights into 15th century China. I am a pediatrician and really resonate with See’s detailed descriptions of illnesses and “treatments.” It is especially interesting to appreciate how much of medicine back then ... - betsyjp

Yunxian is constantly caught in a battle between familial duty and living a satisfying life. Does she succeed in doing both? Do you ever find yourself in situations where you feel torn between your duty to yourself and to others? (13 responses)

I believe that this is a human condition that affects both men and women. The stages of our lives dictate our roles and responsibilities. Lisa See did an excellent job when she divided the stages of a woman's life in this book. Centuries later I could identify with her division of the years ... - millicentg

Yunxian is shaped by many different women throughout the novel. Who do you think had the most significant impact on the woman Yunxian became? (18 responses)

Her grandmother! She was revered, respected but also had her own path and power. I loved their relationship and could have read a whole book about the two of them treating the women of china!! - JustSP