Lady Tan’s Circle of Women Book Club Questions

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is a 2023 historical fiction novel set in the Ming dynasty, inspired by the real-life Tan Yunxian, a rare female doctor. It follows Lady Tan’s journey from a privileged upbringing to becoming a healer, despite societal restrictions. The story celebrates sisterhood, focusing on the friendships and emotional bonds between women. With beautiful, immersive writing, it explores themes of healing, loss, and the quiet strength women share. If you enjoyed The Island of Sea Women or Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, you’ll love this one!

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is great for book clubs because it sparks discussion on friendship, personal growth, and breaking societal norms. The historical Ming dynasty setting, focus on women’s medicine, and moral dilemmas add depth. Plus, Lisa See’s immersive writing makes it easy to engage with the story and characters!

What are Lady Tan’s Circle of Women discussion questions?

Here are some great discussion questions for Lady Tan’s Circle of Women that will spark meaningful conversations in your book club:

1. Themes of Friendship and Sisterhood – It’s all about female bonds and how women uplift each other, which sparks conversations about relationships in our own lives.
2. Historical Insight – The Ming dynasty setting and focus on women’s medicine provide fascinating cultural and historical context to dive into.
3. Character Development – Tan Yunxian’s growth from a sheltered noblewoman to a skilled healer invites reflection on personal growth and overcoming societal expectations.
4. Moral Dilemmas – The story tackles issues like gender roles, class divides, and tradition vs. change, which are great for debate.
5. Lisa See’s Writing Style – Her atmospheric prose makes it easy to immerse in the story, and everyone will have opinions on how the themes and characters are portrayed.

It’s a great mix of history, emotion, and thought-provoking topics—perfect to get everyone talking!

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women Book Club Questions List

Here are some great discussion questions for Lady Tan’s Circle of Women that will spark meaningful conversations in your book club:

1. Friendship and Growth

1. How does Yunxian and Meiling’s friendship evolve through different stages of their lives?
2. What sacrifices do they make for each other, and how do these moments define their bond?
3. How does the friendship between the two women defy societal norms, and what challenges do they face because of it?
4. Are there moments in the novel where the strength of female alliances, outside of Yunxian and Meiling, becomes a focal point?
5. Can you relate their friendship to any relationships in your own life? What similarities or differences stand out?

2. Cultural Traditions and Social Norms

1. What cultural practices in the novel stood out to you, and how did they affect women’s lives?
2. How does the practice of footbinding act as a symbol in the story? Does it have modern parallels?
3. In what ways do traditions clash with the characters’ ambitions and personal desires?
4. How do Yunxian’s interactions with her in-laws reflect the societal expectations of women in the Ming dynasty?
5. Do you think any of the novel’s traditional themes (like arranged marriage or childbirth rituals) still resonate today in different forms?

3. Medical Themes and Healing

1. How does Yunxian’s medical knowledge influence her relationships with other women?
2. What role does the concept of harmony and balance play in the treatments she offers?
3. Which medical case in the novel stood out to you the most? What made it memorable?
4. How does the portrayal of women’s ailments reflect the limitations women faced in seeking medical care?
5. Do you think Yunxian’s persistence in practicing medicine makes her a feminist figure, even in a historical setting?

4. Balancing Tradition and Ambition

1. How does Yunxian navigate the tension between being a wife and pursuing her passion for medicine?
2. Were there moments where Yunxian made decisions that seemed selfish? Do you think she was justified?
3. How do other characters—like her grandmother or Meiling—serve as mentors or obstacles in this balance?
4. Are there modern parallels where women struggle to balance family obligations with personal ambitions?
5. What does the ending reveal about Yunxian’s success in balancing tradition with her personal growth?

5. Legacy and Impact

1. In what ways does Yunxian leave a lasting impact on the women she helps?
2. How do moments of mentorship and teaching reflect the importance of legacy in the story?
3. Do you think Yunxian’s story would be different if told from a male perspective? Why or why not?
4. How does the novel highlight the importance of small, personal actions in creating a broader legacy?
5. In what ways does the “no mud, no lotus” philosophy reflect Yunxian’s journey and her lasting influence?

Quick Tips for Your Book Club on Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

For your Lady Tan’s Circle of Women book club, focus on key themes like friendship, societal expectations, and personal growth. Make it engaging by sipping Chinese tea or discussing herbal remedies from the story. To deepen conversations, create a relationship map of the characters or reflect on personal legacies inspired by Yunxian’s journey. Be prepared for meaningful discussions about gender roles and class divides, encouraging open dialogue. Lastly, connect the book’s themes to modern challenges, such as balancing work, family, and friendships, to make the story resonate with members’ lives​