Lady Tan's Circle of Women

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The latest historical novel from a bestselling author draws inspiration from the true story of a 15th-century Chinese woman physician, appealing to fans of previous works. Tan Yunxian, raised by her grandparents in an elite family, grapples with the Confucian belief that an educated woman is worthless. Her grandmother, one of the few female doctors in China, teaches her the fundamentals of Chinese medicine—skills that allow her to treat women, a privilege denied to men. Alongside her friend Meiling, a midwife-in-training, Yunxian learns about women's health issues, forging a deep bond despite societal restrictions on their professions. As Yunxian enters an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law enforces strict limitations, confining her to traditional roles of a wife—embroidering, reciting poetry, and bearing sons, all while remaining within the family compound. Yet, Yunxian yearns to break free from these constraints to help women and girls across society. The narrative explores how friendship can empower or complicate her journey. This captivating story highlights the strength of women supporting one another and reimagines the life of a remarkable figure from the Ming dynasty, whose legacy endures even today.