Rating: ...Literally Marvelous
Summary:
From a young age, Yunxian is trained in women's health alongside her close friend, Meiling, a midwife-in-training, despite the cultural divide between their professions. Their friendship, rooted in the belief that beauty can arise from adversity, is tested when Yunxian enters an arranged marriage where her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and limits her role to that of a traditional wife. Yet, Yunxian defies these restrictions, ultimately treating women across all social classes and leaving a lasting legacy with remedies still used today. 'Lady Tan’s Circle of Women' is a powerful story of female friendship and triumph over societal constraints.
Magda's Thoughts:
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this historical fiction set in early 1400s China. The story follows a woman raised by her grandparents, with her grandmother coming from a long line of doctors, offering a fascinating glimpse into women’s healthcare during that time. Despite the restrictive rights for women, Lady Tan navigates societal expectations and becomes a doctor, defying the norms where possible. The novel also delves into the cultural expectations of marriage, such as providing a male heir or concubines if needed. While there are some male characters, the focus is on women, making the beautifully written story even more compelling.
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