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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
This book had me pausing to reflect and research more than any other fictional book I’ve read recently, and for that I appreciate it so much. It’s actually truly shocking sometimes to face what humans—particularly women— have been forced to endure all through history. Though this is a fictional telling of Yunxian’s life, it teaches important lessons about nature and consequence and fear.
In terms of the actual narration, I loved the period-appropriate descriptions and understandings of medicine/health and I loved the well-rounded nature of the characters. Also, I just generally loved the bluntness of the medical parts—she felt like a doctor. The four parts of the book lining up with the four phases of a woman’s life worked wonderfully for the story. I did expect Yunxian to interact with more peers than she did, but the way it plays out fits the overall setting and themes more.
A great modern story from a POV of the past :)
In terms of the actual narration, I loved the period-appropriate descriptions and understandings of medicine/health and I loved the well-rounded nature of the characters. Also, I just generally loved the bluntness of the medical parts—she felt like a doctor. The four parts of the book lining up with the four phases of a woman’s life worked wonderfully for the story. I did expect Yunxian to interact with more peers than she did, but the way it plays out fits the overall setting and themes more.
A great modern story from a POV of the past :)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
💗
I enjoyed this. Lisa See always writes in such a digestible way but is so clearly well researched. Really great historical fiction. The story was engaging and makes me want to learn more about this period and Lady Tan.
I enjoyed this. Lisa See always writes in such a digestible way but is so clearly well researched. Really great historical fiction. The story was engaging and makes me want to learn more about this period and Lady Tan.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-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:
Yes
Very engaging with a great narrative throughout the novel. I learned a lot about ancient China and especially traditional Chinese medicine- overall this was a beautifully rendered, well researched historical novel with many brave, intelligent characters.
There was a large emphasis on women, childbirth, motherhood, and women doctors that prevailed in every page. I was excited to discover that this book was based on a real doctor from this time period, as well!
There was a large emphasis on women, childbirth, motherhood, and women doctors that prevailed in every page. I was excited to discover that this book was based on a real doctor from this time period, as well!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
I enjoyed learning about Chinese Medicine and found the world rich and immersive. Wanted it to be more gay.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wasn’t moved by this story or the characters. Perhaps they were just too different for me to relate too, mostly based on the time and social system that they were born into.