Book Review: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Title: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Author: Lisa See
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot Summary: During the Ming dynasty, a young girl named Tan Yunxian is raised among a privileged circle of women, including her physician grandmother and a group of friends who will shape her life. Trained in the ancient art of Chinese medicine, Yunxian navigates the strict expectations and societal limitations of her time, balancing her duties as a wife and mother with her passion for healing. As she matures, she forms deep bonds with other women — some from powerful families, others from the lower classes — and together they confront the challenges of their world, including illness, loss, and the shadowy intrigues of the imperial court. The story is both a portrait of female friendship and a tribute to the enduring legacy of women’s knowledge in a society that often undervalued them.
Review: Lisa See takes special care to immerse readers in the world of ancient China during the Ming dynasty. Indeed, much of the novel is devoted to depicting daily life — especially for women — in that era. See’s meticulous research offers a richly detailed portrait of the customs, expectations, and medical practices of the time. I found myself captivated by the descriptions of ancient Chinese medicine and felt as though I learned a great deal about its traditions and significance.
At first, I settled into the novel as a kind of historical account, but it soon became clear that See had been planting seeds for the eventual plot all along. The intrigue between the Tan and Yang families mirrors the palace dramas of the period, and when the plot finally unfolds, it is engaging and well-paced.
My primary reservation is with the emotional depth of the characters. While I was curious about Lady Tan and her circle, I remained ultimately unmoved by her personal journey and development. I found myself more intrigued by her practice of medicine than by her inner life. Still, See’s lyrical prose is distinctive and instantly recognizable, making her work a pleasure to read.
Rating: 4/5
