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Title:	Lady Tan's Circle of Women
Authors:	See, Lisa
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	339
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	Yunxian, daughter of an aristocratic household and Meiling, daughter of a midwife, meet when they are children with their unlikely friendship lasting right throughout their lives. Yunxian becomes a physician and Meiling follows in her mother's footsteps, but beyond medicine and midwifery, there is marriage and motherhood and the very strict rules governing their class and gender. Fascinating and absorbing, this is the remarkable story of an historic figure from 15th century China, illuminating the lives of women in the Ming dynasty, and inspired by the real Lady Tan's publication of Miscellaneous Records of a Female Doctor.
Categories:	Fiction, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Faction, Medical/Health, Morals/Ethics, Political, Relationships, China, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: NORTH 007		2025-07-09 14:31:16

A well-written and researched book giving a real insight into the lives of women in all classes from Empress to slaves in China. Fascinating medical information based on the life of a woman doctor living and working during the Ming Dynasty. We found some of the treatment of foot binding, and the punishments, horrific. Some found the print too small so found the audio book great. Very visual and descriptive.

By: ROTO 012		2025-07-07 11:45:58

We all enjoyed the book, though most of us found the small print quite hard.

By: HAMIL 074		2025-06-11 14:47:29

A fascinating insight into Chinese culture we knew nothing about. Initially hard to get into, but worth persevering for a very interesting story.

By: AUCK 475		2025-05-08 11:22:42

We would all give the book a "10". Fabulous.

By: AUCK 137		2025-04-30 13:49:49

Universal applause for this book from our group. There was so much to learn about a time and culture that we have no ability to step into. An inspirational story of women living in 15th century China, made all the better by being based on true life events of that time. A beautifully written book.

By: AUCK 414		2025-04-03 14:48:44

Our group liked this book very much. Flow was good. We needed to concentrate on the relationships. We were captivated.

By: AUCK 210		2025-03-26 13:21:20

A book that was well plotted with believable characters. Fascinating insight into life in 15th century China. Enjoyed by us all which is rare.

By: WHANG 022		2025-03-24 14:11:44

Loved this book's slow pace which suited the restraints on the characters' lives.

By: TAUR 004		2025-03-12 10:22:50

Superbly written and researched. we all loved this book. Historical fiction at its best. Fascinating insight into traditional Chinese medicine.

By: AUCK 272		2024-12-16 13:04:15

Excellent book, best book of the year. Very informative and a great read.