Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Lady Tan's Circle of Women  By  cover art

Lady Tan's Circle of Women

By: Lisa See
Narrated by: Jennifer Lim, Justin Chien
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $18.74

Buy for $18.74

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China—perfect for fans of See’s classic Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.

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, pluck instruments, 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, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, 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? Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman 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

Editorial Review

The art of medicine and storytelling
The inspiration for this story came from a book that author Lisa See had in her library, written by a woman physician, Tan Yunxian, who lived during the Ming Dynasty in 15th century China. See’s extensive research combined with her signature storytelling skills results in a captivating and immersive fictional retelling—beautifully performed by Jennifer Lim and Justin Chien. With strong parallels to women’s struggles in 2023, this is a story that celebrates the unconditional support found in the “circle of women” and a fascinating study of Chinese medicine and culture. —Tricia F., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,077
  • 4 Stars
    308
  • 3 Stars
    85
  • 2 Stars
    27
  • 1 Stars
    7
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,044
  • 4 Stars
    170
  • 3 Stars
    19
  • 2 Stars
    10
  • 1 Stars
    7
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    931
  • 4 Stars
    225
  • 3 Stars
    67
  • 2 Stars
    18
  • 1 Stars
    6

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great historical book

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

It’s good. No real climax.

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Book

Another A + novel from Lisa See! Loved this book I could not put it down. Beautiful female characters, interesting story and loved all the “medicine” women caring for women

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!