Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women transports readers to 15th-century China, where Tan Yunxian, a young woman trained in medicine, navigates the complexities of family, tradition, and female friendship. While set in a vastly different time and culture, the story resonates deeply with themes that continue to shape women’s lives today—particularly around motherhood, caregiving, and the need for supportive community.
Themes That Resonate With Perinatal Mental Health
The Weight of Expectations
Throughout the novel, Yunxian is confronted with rigid expectations of what it means to be a dutiful daughter, wife, and mother. These pressures mirror what many new mothers experience: the unspoken rules about how they “should” feel or act, and the shame that can arise when reality doesn’t match the ideal. In therapy, we often explore how these inherited expectations impact a mother’s emotional well-being.
The Healing Power of Women’s Circles
At the heart of the story is the profound support Yunxian finds in her relationships with other women—especially her friendship with Meiling, a midwife. Their connection reminds us that healing rarely happens in isolation. For modern mothers, building circles of support—whether through therapy groups, friendships, or community—can be a lifeline during the perinatal period.
The Silence Around Suffering
The novel also highlights how women’s struggles—miscarriage, infertility, postpartum pain—were often hidden or dismissed. Today, stigma around maternal mental health can still leave mothers suffering in silence. Reading Yunxian’s story underscores the importance of giving voice to these experiences and validating the emotional complexity of motherhood.
Why This Book Matters for Modern Moms
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is more than a historical novel—it’s a reminder of the timeless truth that women’s mental health and resilience are nurtured through connection, compassion, and shared wisdom. For mothers navigating the transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Yunxian’s story offers both comfort and validation: that the challenges they face are not new, and that support from a trusted circle can make all the difference.
A Gentle Invitation
If Yunxian’s story resonates with you, know that you don’t have to navigate the challenges of motherhood alone. In my practice, I help mothers explore these same themes—expectations, identity shifts, and the need for a supportive community—so they can feel grounded and cared for during the perinatal period. If you’re longing for your own “circle of women,” therapy can be a safe place to start.
For more information on Lady Tan's Circle of Women, click here. If you're interested in trying the practice of meditation, please view my Perinatal and Postpartum resource folder.