Reviews

I don’t think I have ever read something so stunningly and skillfully researched and executed. I was brought into a place and time that I have no knowledge or experience in, and I soaked up every moment of it.

asquared92's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I went into this book with very little knowledge of Ming Dynasty China and how women were viewed and loved in the era. This book was so well researched, that I felt like I was there with Tan Yunxian, and I loved soaked in all the historical details. The author wove a fictional story about a real life woman beautifully. I thought the way the book was divided in four parts based off the Chinese thought of the four stages of a woman’s life was interesting and set the stage for the plot development well. Tan Yunxian was intelligent, talented, kind. She balanced her traditional role of wife and mother with being a female physician. She had her struggles, but she found a way to come out of them stronger. I enjoyed the aspect of the circle of women who surrounded her to support her throughout her life. The plot held my interest and kept me guess as to what was going to happen next. At times, I felt like the plot was stalled by long unnecessary descriptions. The ending wrapped up the story well! I enjoyed the hopeful tone of it. I also really enjoyed the author’s note!

kristinkurek's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes

4.0

sofareads's review against another edition

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emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Was worried it'd fall into the Joy Luck Club trap and mistake culture with exoticism, but it didn't! The MC is likeable while remaining true to to the historical context, and it's researched extremely well. The medicine was fascinating, particularly the foot binding despite its gruesomeness. The friendship between women was actually so beautiful, I loved how it was done. Women helping women in a shit world. Was so disappointed the book wasn't sapphic though.

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