Author of

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

Plus, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Island of the Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Shanghai Girls and more.

About THE BOOK

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

New York Times Top 10 Bestseller

USA Today Bestseller

RUSA Best Historical Novel of 2023 

Amazon Editors’ Best Books of 2023 So Far

Goodreads finalist for Best Historical Novel of 2023

Book of the Month Club 2023 Best Book of the Year Finalist

A June Indie Next Pick

LibraryReads Hall of Fame Selection for June

Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection for June

An Amazon Best of the Month for June

Target August 2023 Book Club Pick

Amazon Book Club Selection

Named a Most Anticipated / Best Book of the Summer by AARP, the Boston Globe, Time Magazine, The St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Arizona Star, Katie Couric Media, and many more

The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China—perfect for fans of See’s classic Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.

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.

How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions, 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 Tan’s Circle of Woman 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.

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, pluck instruments, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.

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Praise & Reviews

for Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

Lisa See’s spellbinding historical novel…vividly depicts 15th-century China with artfully woven details, rich characters and descriptive language…an emotional and illuminating epic.

Once again, Lisa See educates as she entertains by immersing readers into a little-known world, this time the Ming dynasty of five centuries ago…With her characteristically extensive research and brilliant storytelling, Lisa See draws us into an ancient world that still resonates today. Highly recommended!

I love all of Lisa See’s books and this one lands at the top. It’s immersive, brings a story to life of which I knew nothing, it’s so good.

Based on the writings of an historical Ming dynasty female physician, Lisa See’s accomplished novel immerses readers in a fascinating life lived within a fascinating culture.

Engrossing…rich…packed with historical detail…Women’s friendships in a world where they have little freedom shape a quietly moving book.

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For Book Clubs

Visit Lisa’s book club page to find a Reader’s Guide, with discussion questions and fun activities to enhance your book club experience. You can also invite Lisa to join your book club on Zoom. She can’t always join in, but she’ll surely try.

Book Club Page