Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

June 5, 2023

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

In 15th century China, Tan Yunxian grows up in a wealthy prestigious family. Raised largely by her grandparents, Yunxian studies to be a doctor from childhood, following in her grandmother's footsteps. Since male doctors are forbidden to touch or examine female patients, after her marriage, Yunxian focuses on illnesses that trouble women, particularly in their reproductive systems. Working in conjunction with a midwife, she treats not only the women in her household but also working women who come to her for help. But her work is not without controversy and she is criticized by the predominant male culture that she lives in. 

Based on an actual woman healer who wrote a book of her cases and remedies that are still used today, this is a fascinating look at life in the extended family of an upper class medieval Chinese household during the Ming dynasty, also of medieval medical practices and beliefs. Warning: the descriptions of foot binding are horrible, especially Yunxian's mother dying of blook poisoning after her feet become infected. I love See's books: wonderful descriptions, well-resesearched, highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Drawing of Tan Yunxian

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

January 13, 2020

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

On the island of Jeju off the coast of Korea, famous for its haenyeo (women divers), the women support their families with their diving, while their husbands keep house and raise the children.  Because women earn more money than men, daughters are more valued than sons.  Two girls from widely different backgrounds become friends, divers, and rivals. 

I started off by listening to this but I disliked the narrator’s style – she fluctuated between totally flat and the edge of hysteria.  Once I got the print book, the story moved along much faster.

I have read many of Lisa See's previous titles, and this one is very well researched but more violent than her other books – Young-sook and Mi-ja and their families lived through violent and oppressive times.  I admit that I skimmed over some of the more brutal passages.  There are lots of legends, customs, stories, and information about the haenyeo and diving.  See explains at one point why the women become divers to support their families (women’s earnings are taxed at a lower rate than men’s wages).  A glossary of terms would have helped since I’m not sure what some of the items were.  Except for the level of violence, this would be a good choice for a book discussion group.

Readers who are interested in reading about the Korean women divers may also like White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht, which tells the story of two sisters who are separated when one is kidnapped by the Japanese.  If you’re looking for a very good novel about life in Korea during the Japanese occupation, try Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.