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Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Lisa See's latest historical novel, inspired by the true story of a woman ...

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Discuss Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

What does Yunxian see as her possibilities for a successful life and for the life of her daughters and all women? Is it possible for her to imagine a future where the status of women is not dictated by tradition?

6

Aug. 01, 2024
by Stephanie

A case could be made that Yunxian was a modern woman. What are some of the ways she balances work and family? Do you see yourself in her?

6

Aug. 04, 2024
by Sooz

Each character—and Yunxian’s relationship to that person—changes and evolves over time. How does Yunxian come to see and understand the characters of Miss Zhao, Miss Chen, Lady Kuo, Doctor Wong, and her husband and father?

6

Aug. 05, 2024
by pamelas

How are aphorisms important to the story? What message is Miss Chen trying to convey to Yunxian? Lisa considers these aphorisms to be true across time and cultures. Do you agree? How have they played out in your life, if at all?

3

Aug. 06, 2024
by Gardenlily

Grandfather Tan and Grandmother Ru have very different ideas about childbirth. Who do you agree with, and why? Do you think these contradictory ideas still hold true today - not just for childbirth but for women’s medical care in general?

12

Aug. 06, 2024
by Gardenlily

How does the preface set up the novel and what is to come for Yunxian? After reading the novel, what does it mean to be a “female on this earth?”

5

Aug. 11, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

What are the main plotlines related to having a son? Consider the perspectives of Spinster Aunt, Miss Chen, Doctor Wong, Midwife Shi, Lady Kuo, and Meiling and Yunxian. Were these characters out for his or her own self-interest?

2

Aug. 11, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

What audience would you recommend this novel for? Are there other books that you’ve read that you felt were similar, either in themes or writing style?

17

Aug. 11, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

The Dragon Boat Festival looms large in Yunxian’s imagination. What does it mean for her—and the other women who reside in the Garden of Fragrant Delights—to finally get to attend?

13

Aug. 11, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

Discuss the relationship between Yunxian and her servant Poppy and how it evolves throughout the novel. When do you think Yunxian comes to fully appreciate Poppy and see her as a real human being? How does that change their relationship?

8

Aug. 11, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

Yunxian is shaped by many different women throughout the novel. Who do you think had the most significant impact on the woman Yunxian became?

17

Aug. 13, 2024
by JustSP

How does the death of Respectful Lady shape Yunxian? What lessons from her does Yunxian carry with her? When she nears her end, she mutters: “To live is to suffer.” How is this a warning for Yunxian?

14

Aug. 14, 2024
by patriciag

Overall, what did you think of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women? (No spoilers)

30

Aug. 14, 2024
by barbarar

Yunxian is constantly caught in a battle between familial duty and living a satisfying life. Does she succeed in doing both? Do you ever find yourself in situations where you feel torn between your duty to yourself and to others?

12

Aug. 15, 2024
by millicentg

In a novel primarily about women, were you sympathetic to any of the male characters? Do you believe they treated the women in their lives fairly?

16

Aug. 15, 2024
by millicentg

How does time and memory inspire us to examine neglected objects? Have you experienced newfound inspiration or ideas by the objects around your home?

5

Aug. 16, 2024
by deed

How do Yunxian and Meiling each benefit from their relationship? Are there downsides for each of them? What does friendship mean to you?

7

Aug. 17, 2024
by ColoradoGirl

What was the most interesting thing you learned about ancient Chinese medicine?

28

Aug. 22, 2024
by betsyjp

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