Great storytelling and very enjoyable read

Over a lifetime of reading her novels, Lisa See is one of the few authors that I feel safe “judging a book by its cover.” Yet again I am entranced as Lady Tan enhances my understanding of who I am (woman, daughter, mother) as she relates the story of a life so seemingly different than my own. The storytelling - so vibrant, so lush - I am transported to Wuxi to drink Pu-erh and experience the ups and downs of close-hearted woman-kinship. Lisa See books always feel like the embrace of a grandmother, inviting the reader to pause.. reflect.. and feel.

“Store up good deeds and you will meet with good. Store up evil actions and you will meet with evil.” “He who depends on himself will have the greatest happiness” 4.5 stars!! This book was great and was also a quick read. I have never read a book that was in the perspective of an elite woman of 1400’s Chinese dynasties where they were required to have their feet bound for the males pleasure and weren’t allowed to leave their compound. I had no idea how much women were treated like objects for men. After all, they said men were made from the Heavens and were therefore above women, who were made of the Earth and came from the filth & being stepped on and such. 🙄 There is no way that my strong spirit and opinions would have lasted back then because I am not a docile woman. While I wasn’t always a biggest fan of some of the characters, I did love how they each seemed to grow throughout. While I definitely disliked the villain in the story, I didn’t see the twists coming. And I also liked learning just the tiniest tip of the iceberg of Chinese medicine from the 1400s. (Which I think can still come in handy.) It makes me want to study it more and definitely read more historical fiction stories that take place during the 1400s in China.

Listened to this on audiobook - such a beautiful, well written story with so many important lessons. Truly made me wish Lady Tan (& Lady Rue) were my grandmothers and that their healing practices were things I was taught.

Holds your attention. Amazing how people’s feeling of self worth can be ruled by society. The lack of respect and compassion for human life is mind boggling. Very interesting and a page turnet

This is not only a wonderful story, but also a fascinating look into the culture of 15th century China.

Enjoyed reading the story, lots of interesting details with the history, culture, traditions of that time.

Lisa See is able to capture without prejudice another century and without preaching, about the injustices that happened due to that society’s mores. Her characters are always interesting and her descriptions make the historical background seem as real as the present.

Too much emphasis on the bloody parts of pregnancy.

Well and beautifully written; bringing the lives of strong women of the era front and center where we can meet, admire and celebrate them.