One of the reasons I’m not part of any book clubs is because, at the risk of sounding like a little kid, I want to read what I want to read. Hear me out. I read and write for a living which means I’m constantly looking at all kinds of content – whether I like the subject matter or not. Therefore, when I read for me, I want the subject matter to be my choice.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women was a unique situation because my client, The Literacy Project, is hosting a luncheon (which happens to be tomorrow) and the featured speaker is writer Lisa See who authored the book. I knew that in order to get the most out of hearing her speak, I had to read her latest book, Lady Tan. Clearly See is an excellent writer – New York Times bestselling for crying out loud – but reading about fifteenth century China is not my preference because women have no rights, daughters are often shunned while sons are coveted, women have to pretty much stay sheltered from the outside world, and men have concubines. Oh, and there is the whole foot binding aspect that I can’t even think about. So this was definitely not a book I would have read outside of The Literacy Project luncheon.
Written in the first person, Lady Tan is extremely well-done albeit a little slow at times. Seventeen pages in, our protagonist Yunxian loses her mother which changes the trajectory of her life. Luckily, she has her grandmother to teach her skills in Chinese medicine that will also change the trajectory of her life – this time in a positive way. Throughout the novel, we see Yunxian experience the various stages of little girl, wife, healer, etc. and what she does to change things within her household. “We are the circle of good that surrounds her.” But the main theme that weaves through the story is the importance of female friendships. More specifically, the notion that with the support of both likely and unlikely women, Yunxian makes a name for herself. “Friendship is a contract between two hearts. With hearts united, women can laugh and cry, live and die together.”
The women in her circle carry each other through some hardships that are beyond horrifying but they are also there to celebrate one another. Women supporting each other rather than competing is something some members of our society are still learning which is a shame. My hope for Fleet as he grows up is to have a circle of friends (both male and female) who are supportive and helpful – no bullies or mean girls allowed.
In terms of style, See’s writing is descriptive and lovely. “Icicles hang like ivory chopsticks from the eaves.” I can picture what Yunxian’s household looks like as well as her silk outfits, hair, makeup, etc. I also appreciate how the snake theme slithers (see what I did there?) through the narrative because those descriptions help set the tone – especially when it comes to Yunxian and Meiling. Additionally, that theme lends to our protagonist’s refreshing level of self-awareness.
As she gets older, Yunxian realizes that her circle of women made her who she is and therefore knows it’s her duty to create a wider circle for the next generation. This attitude and determination reminds me of my mother because she and Yunxian, in very different ways, changed the game while putting their families first. “I will use all that my grandparents, especially my grandmother, taught me to heal women. Without fear. Without hesitation.” Her bravery is palpable.
I’ve talked to several people who have read many of See’s books and each one had positive things to say about all the novels which was not surprising. Lady Tan was an excellent read as I learned a lot about a culture that is far off my radar but still found threads of understanding. The author’s ability to make a story like this relatable is one of many reasons she is a bestselling writer.
Quotes:
“Today the laughter is a show of bravery on both our parts.”
“You and I are different in so many ways. This I what I love about our friendship. But we must always be honest with each other.”
“Medicine keeps people aligned with the cosmos.”
“It all manages to be beautiful and overwhelming at the same time.”
“A friend without faults will never be found.”
“Both her wisdom and her emotional strength help me through the frightening hours.”
“Often when I get to the root of a woman’s ailments, anger is the spark, the fuel, and the creator of ash…But I consider sadness to be the most powerful and destructive.”
“My heart will forever be attached to my son’s.”
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