Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See fictionalizes the life of Tan Yunxian, a female physician in Ming dynasty China, shaped by her mother’s early death and education by her medical practitioner grandparents. Despite societal constraints, Yunxian marries into a wealthy family and navigates her roles as wife and mother while secretly treating women medically, inspired by her friendship with midwife Meiling to defy tradition and support women's health care across social classes. The novel contains instances of violence, medical trauma, and gender-based discrimination.

Lisa See's Lady Tan's Circle of Women receives praise for its meticulous historical research and vibrant portrayal of female relationships in ancient China. Reviewers commend the engaging narrative and strong character development. However, some find the pacing occasionally slow and the plot predictable. Overall, a compelling read with rich cultural insights.

An ideal reader for Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is someone who enjoys historical fiction rich in cultural detail and strong female characters. Fans of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club or Lisa See’s own The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane would appreciate this novel’s exploration of Chinese heritage, friendships, and women’s roles in society.

Inspirational / Emotional / Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Romantic

**Tan Yunxian**  
Tan Yunxian is the protagonist and first-person narrator of the book. She is the only daughter of Master Tan, an official in the emperor’s service. After her mother’s death from a preventable infection, Yunxian develops an interest in medicine. She is intelligent and observant, crossing social boundaries to treat women from all classes. Her character arc follows her conflict between tradition and ambition as she grows into a pioneering female doctor.

**Shi Meiling**  
Shi Meiling is Yunxian’s lifelong friend and the only daughter of Midwife Shi. Energetic and compassionate, she learns from Yunxian how to behave like a fine lady. Meiling shares much with Yunxian, including the compilation of her medical book, and is grateful for Yunxian’s help in conceiving a child.

**Grandmother Ru**  
Grandmother Ru is part of Yunxian’s circle of women and comes from a line of hereditary doctors. She mentors Yunxian, teaching her Traditional Chinese Medicine and encouraging her friendship with Meiling. Grandmother Ru’s guidance helps Yunxian grow into her role as a doctor.

**Lady Kuo**  
Lady Kuo is Yunxian’s strict and dutiful mother-in-law, ruling over her household with authority. She values obedience and duty, sometimes at the cost of personal health and happiness. Her adherence to tradition creates tension with Yunxian’s ambitions.

**Miss Zhao**  
Miss Zhao, a concubine in Master Tan’s household, provides Yunxian with guidance and support. Though her role is traditionally limited, Miss Zhao becomes a nurturing figure for Yunxian, traveling and assisting her in times of need.

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