Lady Tan's Circle of Women

De: Lisa See

Narrado por: Jennifer Lim, Justin Chien

Duración: 13 h y 15 m

Resumen del Editor

*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!*

From “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review) an immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China—perfect for fans of Lisa See’s classics Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.

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.

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

How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions 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? A captivating story of women helping each other, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a triumphant reimagining of the life of one person who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.

©2022 Lisa See. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved

CAPTIVATING!

What a mesmerizing story! I couldn't stop listening. This book is well-written, detailed, and full of wisdom. It details 15th-century Chinese culture and ancient medical practices that astounded me. Many of these customs made me grimace. Lady Tan, practitioner, courageously faced this demeaning culture against women. I also admire that the story had a small element of suspense, which added to its richness. This is probably one of my favorite 2023 historical fictions. Knowing that it was based on a true account gave it more merit. I strongly recommend it.

It’s good. No real climax.

Similar to Shanghai Girls. A good story but no real climax. I’d give it 3.5 stars.

Great Story/excellent narration

Some understanding of “Chinese” custom and mythology as well as Confucian order would be helpful when reading. It’s hat well centered in the history of culture of mid century 16th China. Just Google those terms and off you go into a male-centric world quietly run by women in the home. Parallels mid-16th Century Europe - ie Anne Bolynn, Cathrine de Mefici, etc.

So good

I know the phrase “I couldn’t put it down” is often overused. However, I read this book in 3 days. I have already recommended this book to everyone I know.

Great historical book

Great read once again from Lisa See. Loved all her books, cannot for the next book. 😃

Beautiful story

Beautiful story and narrator was nice to listen too. Narrating was balanced as opposed to overly dramatic. Loved it.

Captivating

Great story! Amazing glimpse into what 15th century life was like for women in China

Loved it!

This was a great novel, enjoyed the history and the knowledge of Chinese medicine and culture.

Beautiful history of a female physician

I’m a fan of Chinese dramas so this historical story fascinated me. And I loved how it was based off of a real woman who actually existed.

Wonderful story!

If you’re interested in Chinese medicine, China’s history, or just how people can be programmed into doing the most insane things. Like foot binding. And how women were valued for how much torture they could endure. And if you’re interested in foot fetish, this is your book. The thing about the brain, and sexuality and feet, is that in the brain, the neurons for sex organ sit right next to the neurons for bottom of foot. Sometimes they get confused! Obviously in China, somebody got very confused. It’s a very good book. And it has a happy ending.