Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Healing Hands, Bound Feet

In a world where women’s voices have often been silenced, their stories lost to the annals of time, Lisa See’s “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” emerges as a powerful testament to the resilience, wisdom, and sisterhood of women in 15th-century China. This meticulously researched historical novel breathes life into the remarkable story of Tan Yunxian, a female doctor whose remedies are still used five centuries later. Through See’s vivid prose, we’re transported to a time when bound feet were a mark of beauty and an educated woman was considered worthless—and yet, against this backdrop, a circle of women dared to heal, to learn, and to change their world.

A Tale of Two Traditions: Medicine and Patriarchy

From the opening pages, See plunges us into the complex world of Ming dynasty China, where tradition and innovation dance a delicate minuet. We meet young Yunxian, a girl born into privilege but haunted by loss, as she begins her journey into the world of Chinese medicine under the tutelage of her grandmother. The author’s attention to detail is exquisite, painting a picture so rich you can almost smell the herbs and feel the silk beneath your fingers.

See’s portrayal of traditional Chinese medicine is both fascinating and accessible. Through Yunxian’s eyes, we learn about the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—and how they form the foundation of diagnosis and treatment. The author strikes a delicate balance, educating the reader without ever feeling didactic. It’s a testament to See’s skill that complex medical concepts become as engrossing as any plot point.

But this is more than just a story about medicine. It’s a stark exploration of the patriarchal constraints of the time. Yunxian’s struggle to practice her craft in a world that sees educated women as a threat is both infuriating and all too familiar. See doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life for women in this era—from foot binding to arranged marriages—but she also shows us the ways in which women found power and agency within these constraints.

Friendship as a Lifeline: Yunxian and Meiling

At the heart of “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is the friendship between Yunxian and Meiling, a midwife-in-training. Their bond, forged in childhood and tested by the vicissitudes of life, serves as the emotional core of the novel. See captures the intensity of female friendship with a raw honesty that will resonate with readers of all ages.

The contrast between Yunxian’s path as a doctor and Meiling’s as a midwife provides a fascinating lens through which to view the social hierarchies of the time. Doctors were forbidden from touching blood, while midwives were constantly in contact with it—a dichotomy that speaks volumes about the way society viewed women’s bodies and women’s work.

Through their relationship, See explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the ways in which women support each other in a world designed to keep them apart. The mantra they share – “No mud, no lotus” – becomes a powerful refrain throughout the novel, a reminder that beauty and strength can emerge from the most difficult circumstances.

The Garden of Fragrant Delights: A Gilded Cage

When Yunxian is married off, she finds herself in the Garden of Fragrant Delights—her husband’s family compound. See’s description of this opulent prison is a masterclass in worldbuilding. The lush gardens, intricate architecture, and lavish furnishings come alive on the page, creating a vivid backdrop for the drama that unfolds.

But beneath the beauty lurks a suffocating reality. Yunxian’s struggle against the restrictions placed on her by her mother-in-law forms the central conflict of the novel. See deftly navigates the complex dynamics of a traditional Chinese household, showing us the ways in which women wielded power behind the scenes even as they were publicly subservient.

The author doesn’t romanticize this world—the cruelty of foot binding, the pressure to produce sons, the claustrophobia of life within the compound walls—all are portrayed with unflinching honesty. Yet See also shows us moments of joy, of sisterhood, of small rebellions that chip away at the foundations of patriarchal control.

A Tapestry of Women’s Lives

One of the great strengths of “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is the rich cast of female characters that populate its pages. From Yunxian’s grandmother, the formidable doctor who sets her on her path, to the array of wives, concubines, and servants within the Garden of Fragrant Delights, See gives us a nuanced portrayal of women’s lives in all their complexity.

Each character feels fully realized, with her own desires, fears, and motivations. See resists the temptation to paint any of them as purely good or evil, instead showing us the ways in which they are all products of their time and circumstances. It’s this empathy, this understanding of the myriad ways women navigate oppressive systems, that elevates the novel beyond mere historical fiction.

The Power of Knowledge: Medicine as Liberation

Throughout the novel, See returns again and again to the theme of knowledge as power. Yunxian’s medical education becomes not just a way to heal bodies, but a means of connecting with other women, of understanding the world around her, and ultimately, of charting her own course in life.

The author’s research shines through in the detailed descriptions of treatments and remedies. From acupuncture to herbal concoctions, we’re given a fascinating glimpse into the world of traditional Chinese medicine. But See goes beyond mere description, showing us how this knowledge empowers Yunxian and the women around her.

There’s a quiet radicalism in the way Yunxian uses her skills to help other women—treating their ailments, yes, but also giving them a space to be heard and understood. In a world where women’s bodies were often sites of control and oppression, Yunxian’s practice becomes a form of resistance.

Style and Structure: A Delicate Balance

See’s prose is elegant and restrained, perfectly suited to the historical setting. She has a gift for sensory detail, bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of 15th-century China vividly to life. The pacing is measured, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in Yunxian’s world while still maintaining narrative momentum.

The structure of the novel, which follows Yunxian from childhood to old age, allows See to explore the changing dynamics of her relationships and her evolving understanding of her place in the world. It’s a coming-of-age story, a medical drama, and a historical epic all rolled into one.

One minor quibble: at times, the wealth of historical detail can feel overwhelming, threatening to overshadow the emotional core of the story. But these moments are rare, and for the most part, See strikes a fine balance between education and entertainment.

In the Company of Giants: See’s Literary Legacy

“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is a worthy addition to Lisa See’s impressive body of work. Fans of her previous novels like “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” and “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” will find much to love here. See’s dedication to telling the stories of Chinese and Chinese-American women continues to yield rich, compelling narratives that bridge cultures and centuries.

In the broader context of historical fiction centered on women’s lives, “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” stands alongside works like Geraldine Brooks’ “Year of Wonders” or Tracy Chevalier’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Like those novels, it uses a historically inspired story to explore timeless themes of agency, identity, and the power of female friendship.

Final Thoughts: A Triumph of Historical Fiction

“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is a remarkable achievement. It’s a novel that educates as it entertains, that challenges as it comforts. See has taken a footnote from history and spun it into a rich, complex narrative that speaks to both the past and the present.

At its core, this is a story about the ways in which women support and sustain each other in the face of oppression. It’s about the power of knowledge, the strength found in friendship, and the ways in which even small acts of rebellion can change the world. In Yunxian’s journey, we see echoes of the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history.

For readers looking for a thoughtful, immersive historical novel that doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” is a must-read. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go, and the enduring power of women helping women. No mud, no lotus, indeed.