A review by jedore
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

informative inspiring mysterious sad 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? No

4.25

“A woman is a woman whether born in the dirt or on silk.”

Lisa See’s books are always solid reads for me, and this one was no exception. What I love about her work is how she weaves educational historical fiction with deeply personal, female-centered stories. While you connect with the characters, you’re also learning about fascinating historical periods and cultural practices.

This novel follows a wealthy woman in ancient China who, despite societal constraints, has the privilege of becoming a doctor. As always, Lisa See’s character development is phenomenal—she makes it easy to bond with the main characters and feel deeply invested in their struggles.

I had no idea that women in ancient China could be doctors, let alone that there were strict rules preventing doctors from being around blood. This book shed light on the the essential, but overlooked, role of women in the world of medicine in historical China.

That said, parts of this book were difficult to read, particularly the graphic details of foot binding and the way women were treated. Even more unsettling was how deeply women themselves had internalized these oppressive customs. It made me wonder: Would history have been different if women had revolted more?

Despite the harsh realities depicted, this book was beautifully written and deeply immersive, offering a powerful look at the resilience of women in the face of societal limitations.

A little tidbit about Lisa See...her interest in Chinese history stems from her own family background—her great-grandfather was Chinese, and her family owned one of the first Chinese-owned businesses in Los Angeles. Her deep personal connection to Chinese culture influences the meticulous research and authenticity in her novels.
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