Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women

Name: Lady Tan's Circle Of Women
SKU: 9781982117085
Availability: InStock

EGP1,825.00

*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!*

From “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review) an immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China—perfect for fans of Lisa See’s classics Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

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 themselves: from adversity beauty can bloom.

But when Yunxian is sent into 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.

SKU: 9781982117085 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women

Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women Book Description

Readers will step into 15th‑century China with Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women, a New York Times bestseller praised for its lyrical plot. Inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian, one of the few female physicians of the Ming dynasty, the novel blends history and heart. Fans of Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan will enjoy this vivid portrait of a woman who healed, loved, and defied tradition.

Inside the story, Yunxian learns Chinese medicine from her grandmother, a rare female doctor. She masters the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—techniques a male doctor could never use on a female patient. Meanwhile, she forms a deep bond with Meiling, a midwife‑in‑training. Their friendship grows despite social rules that keep doctors and midwives apart.

Meanwhile, Yunxian’s life takes a sharp turn when an arranged marriage forces her into a household that prohibits her practice. Her mother‑in‑law bans her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women in the family compound. Yet Yunxian continues to study, to write remedies, and to dream of a world where women heal each other.

Additionally, the novel explores how Yunxian balances the expectations of a proper wife—embroidery, poetry, and motherhood—with her secret vocation. She discovers ways to share her knowledge, often in hidden letters and whispered lessons. Because of her courage, many of her remedies survive five centuries and are still referenced today.

Key Features of Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women

Readers can expect richly researched details that bring Ming‑era life to vivid reality. The narrative weaves medical knowledge with personal drama, making each chapter both educational and emotionally gripping. Moreover, the book highlights themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of women supporting women.

Fans will appreciate the parallel journeys of Yunxian and Meiling, whose different paths illustrate how women navigated strict gender roles. Meanwhile, the story offers a fresh perspective on historical fiction, focusing on a protagonist whose influence endures in modern herbal practices.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers seek stories that empower and inspire. This book delivers a strong, relatable heroine who challenges patriarchal limits. Furthermore, the vivid descriptions of ancient medical practices provide a unique learning experience. Also, the friendship at the heart of the plot shows how solidarity can turn adversity into beauty.

Readers will find that the novel’s pacing keeps them engaged from the first page to the last. The blend of romance, intrigue, and historical detail makes it a perfect choice for book clubs, history buffs, and anyone who loves a well‑crafted tale of women’s triumph.