A Lazy Reader's Review of "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" by Lisa See
Synopsis
According to Confucius, "an educated woman is a worthless woman," but Tan Yunxian – born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness – is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four examinations – looking, listening, touching, and asking – something a man can never do with a female patient.
From a young age, Yunxian learns about women's illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose – despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it – and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other's joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus, they tell from adversity beauty can bloom.
But when Yunxian is sent to an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife – embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.
How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts? A captivating story of women helping each other, Lady Tan's Circle of Women is a triumphant reimagining of the life of one person who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.
Review
This was such a good read. It had been a long time since I picked up a good historical fiction book. I honestly think this year is the year that reading becomes enjoyable to me once again.
I thought that this was an excellent book that dove into the significance and impact that traditional medicine as well as Confucius beliefs had on women in 15th century China. I like how the author made it clear that she was neither promoting/or not promoting the suggested benefits that such medication might have on a person. But, I also appreciate the respect that she has for this practice since it is something that is still important to Chinese culture.
The theme of female relationships is very prominent throughout the book. I love how See did not shy away from showing the negative sides to the ways concubines and consorts treated one another; often unfairly in order to show their status in the family unit. I also adored the friendship between Yunxian and Meiling. Their relationship was one of companionship, respect, jealousy, and love. A lot of the books I've read recently portray one-dimensional female relationships that often lack any of its actual complexities, so it was like a breath of fresh air to see that See was not shying away from showing tension between the two women. They both admire and respect each other and at one point in their relationship, they were jealous of, and even resented, each other for what the other person had or did. and I think all of it is beautiful.
Overall, even thought there were minor instances throughout my read of this book that I had issue with, they were not enough to give this book anything less than a five-star rating. I 100% recommend you pick this book up. It was a great book for me in order to get back into historical fiction.
Favorite Quote: "No mud, no lotus."
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