From “one of those exceptional writers who can convey both poetry and intrigue” (The New York Times Book Review), comes a vivid historical novel inspired by the true story of a female doctor set in 15th century China, perfect for fans of Lisa's classic Snow See Flower's Secret Admirer and Hummingbird Lane and The Tea Girl.
According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian – born into an upper-class family, but haunted by death, separation and loneliness – Raised by grandparents to be useful. Her grandmother was one of the few female doctors in China and she taught Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the four exams – seeing, hearing, touching and asking – things a man never had. can do with the patient.
From a young age, Yunxian learned about women's diseases, many of which were related to childbirth, along with Meiling, a young midwife in training. The two girls quickly found friendship and a common goal - despite orders forbidding the doctor to never touch blood when the midwife was in constant contact with him - and they vowed to be friends forever, Share each other's joys and hardships.No mud, no lotus, they told themselves: only in adversity can beauty bloom.
But when Yunxian was brought into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbade her to meet Meiling and help the women and girls in the house. Yunxian must act like a real wife: embroidering slippers on her bound feet, reciting poetry, giving birth to a son, and remaining forever within the walls of the family compound, the Fragrance Garden.
How could a woman like Yunxian escape these traditions and live a life so vital that many of her remedies are still in use five centuries later? How can the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts?A riveting story of women helping each other, Lady Tan's Women's Society is a triumphant retelling of the life of a famous Ming Dynasty figure and would be considered remarkable today. now.
