Why Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is the historical novel you need to read

What if I told you that a woman’s fight for agency in 15th-century China mirrors struggles women still face today? Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a beautifully immersive historical novel that transports readers to 15th-century China, offering a rare and fascinating glimpse into the life of a woman physician. Inspired by a real historical figure, Tan Yunxian, this novel provides a story rich in cultural detail, deep friendships, and the persistent struggle for women’s agency within the confines of a patriarchal society.

I don’t often read historical fiction, but when I do, I’ve found that stories set in China tend to focus on the brutalization of women. While those narratives are important, it was refreshing to encounter a story in which the female protagonist is not constantly subjected to violence. Of course, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women does not shy away from the reality that, in 15th-century China, women were still regarded as property, their lives dictated by the expectations of men. However, the novel offers a nuanced exploration of how women navigated these restrictions, particularly through the lens of medicine, female friendships, and quiet forms of defiance.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this novel is its portrayal of traditional Chinese medicine. Male doctors in this era were not permitted to examine female patients directly, instead relying on go-betweens—often other women—to describe symptoms. This cultural restriction plays a tragic role early in Yunxian’s life when her mother dies due to complications from her bound feet.

As an eight-year-old girl acting as a go-between, Yunxian can physically see the red lines of infection creeping up her mother’s legs, but she lacks the language—and the authority—to convey this to the male doctor. This moment resonated deeply with me because, even today, women’s medical concerns are frequently dismissed by male doctors who fail to listen or take them seriously. Women are still told their pain is imagined, or that they simply need to lose weight. Yunxian’s frustration at being unable to advocate for her mother is a struggle that persists centuries later.

Another compelling aspect of the novel is its exploration of women’s relationships with one another. Yunxian’s friendship with Meiling, a midwife-in-training, provides her with a support system that remains essential despite societal attempts to keep them apart. However, the novel also examines the more adversarial relationships between women, particularly among concubines. The intense scheming and manipulation within the master’s household are often viewed as inherent traits of women, but Lady Tan’s Circle of Women suggests otherwise. These women are not naturally deceitful or cruel—they are merely doing what they must to survive in a system that reduces their worth to their sexual appeal and ability to bear sons. One particularly stark moment occurs when a concubine is cast out of the household after breaking her leg, as she is no longer of use to the master. This scene is a brutal reminder of how fragile a woman’s existence was (and still can be) when her security depends entirely on the whims of a man.

This novel highlights how the constraints of patriarchy often force women into competition with one another, but it also illustrates the power of female solidarity. When women have the ability to make their own choices, they are more likely to uplift one another rather than tear each other down. Yunxian and Meiling’s relationship serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the strength women can find in each other when they refuse to be divided by societal expectations.

The level of historical research that went into this novel is remarkable, and Lisa See’s storytelling effortlessly blends historical accuracy with compelling characters. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a poignant, thought-provoking novel that underscores the importance of women supporting one another in the fight for autonomy—whether in 15th-century China or the modern world. If you enjoy historical fiction that offers a fresh perspective on women’s lives, this book is well worth the read.

What do you think? If you lived in Yunxian’s time, how do you think you would have navigated those challenges? Do you think women today still face similar struggles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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