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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book ended up being more gripping than anticipated. A good peak into the culture at the time and how women were constrained no matter their social standing. Very good.
This book was fantastic. I read it for a book club, and going in I expected not to like it—mainly because I knew it would include ancient medical practices and descriptions of foot binding, something I already knew too much about. But I was pleasantly surprised by the story itself and how meaningful it was to see a woman pursue medicine in China during the 1400s and 1500s. I found it fascinating to learn about the natural ingredients and plants that were used for healing, how births were facilitated, and how the body’s qi was believed to affect health.
The characters were another highlight. Most of Yunxian’s (Lady Tan’s) circle of women were deeply complex, and their influence on her life—whether positive or negative—shaped who she became. I also appreciated the insight into the roles women held in noble families, even when those roles felt harsh or outdated.
Overall, Lisa See’s writing made this novel completely absorbing, and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if you’re interested in women’s lives and medicine in history.
The characters were another highlight. Most of Yunxian’s (Lady Tan’s) circle of women were deeply complex, and their influence on her life—whether positive or negative—shaped who she became. I also appreciated the insight into the roles women held in noble families, even when those roles felt harsh or outdated.
Overall, Lisa See’s writing made this novel completely absorbing, and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if you’re interested in women’s lives and medicine in history.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the way this is a story of not just a woman, but of women. Through the story, we delve into class, patriarchy, women’s health, feminism, etc. The ability of the author to address these modern topics through a historical tale is truly remarkable.
[4.5 stars]
Think The Apothecary Diaries, but a more realistic version (it is loosely based on a real person). This is my second novel by Lisa See and I honestly thought there was no way it would top The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, but I was completely blown away!
The 1400s Chinese terminology of medicine, their health beliefs, the justice procedures, and the Confucian family dynamics all pull you into that world. The research she does for her books really shows. I am so excited to read more of her works!
Think The Apothecary Diaries, but a more realistic version (it is loosely based on a real person). This is my second novel by Lisa See and I honestly thought there was no way it would top The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, but I was completely blown away!
The 1400s Chinese terminology of medicine, their health beliefs, the justice procedures, and the Confucian family dynamics all pull you into that world. The research she does for her books really shows. I am so excited to read more of her works!
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Liked this. Felt like I was reading a history book at the same time, but in a good way. Pacing was consistently slow, but I enjoyed being able to follow Lady Tan’s life in each of its different stages.
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
My first experience with historical fiction from imperial China, and I found the subject matter super interesting and the story very well told.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I learned so much about 15th/16th century China. At times, it does feel like you're taking a Chinese history class as it's dense & somewhat sloggy. Fascinating detail into a difficult subject matter and a great deal of careful research. This one just wasn't for me.
This book was hard for me to get through even with the pickup midway through. I found myself picking it up just so that I could finish it - not because I was into the story. The last 125 pages or so gives a boost in the rating.
This book was hard for me to get through even with the pickup midway through. I found myself picking it up just so that I could finish it - not because I was into the story. The last 125 pages or so gives a boost in the rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pregnancy
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No