Lady Tan's Circle Of Women

Lisa See's novel "Lady Tans Circle of Women" is a captivating story of women helping other women, spanning wars and generations. It is a triumphant reimagining of the life of a remarkable woman in the Ming dynasty. Praise for See's work includes her ability to write about female friendship, the dark and the light of it, with more insight and depth than any other writer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Despite the inordinate limits placed on women, See allows their strengths to dominate their stories. Washington Post Poignant . . . quietly affecting Time In 15th century China, two women are born under the same sign, the Metal Snake. But life will take the friends on very different paths. According to Confucius, ‘an educated woman is a worthless woman, but Tan Yunxian – born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separation and loneliness – is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. She begins her training in medicine with her grandmother and, as she navigates the male world of medicine, requiring tact and diplomacy, she struggles against the confining world of her class. 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. How might a woman like Yunxian break free of tradition, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, 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? Lady Tans Circle of Women is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today. Praise for Lisa See This novel spans wars and generations, but at its heart is a beautifully rendered portrait of a woman's life. Yunxian's story is one of courage, resilience, and determination, and it is told with great sensitivity and insight. See's writing is evocative and lyrical, and her characters are vivid and memorable. The story is set in 15th century China, a time of great change and turmoil, and Yunxian's journey is a reflection of the times. She is born into an elite family, but her life is marked by tragedy and loss. Her grandmother, a renowned physician, is killed in a fire, and her mother is forced to flee to a remote village. Yunxian is left to fend for herself, and she must learn to survive in a world that is hostile to women. Despite the challenges she faces, Yunxian is determined to become a doctor. She begins her training with her grandmother, and she quickly becomes skilled in the art of medicine. However, her path is not easy. She faces discrimination and prejudice from her male colleagues, and she must work hard to prove herself. Yunxian's journey takes her to many different places, including the capital city of Beijing and the remote villages of the countryside. She meets many different people, including a young midwife-in-training named Meiling. Meiling is a kind and compassionate woman, and she becomes Yunxian's closest friend. Together, they face many challenges, including childbirth and illness. Yunxian's story is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of perseverance. She overcomes many obstacles, and her remedies are still used today. Lady Tans Circle of Women is a beautiful and inspiring story that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. It is a reminder of the importance of women's rights and the power of friendship.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398526082