Museum Book Club

See museum objects with unique stories, enjoy light refreshments, and discuss this quarter’s Museum Book Club pick, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See. 

Registration is required for all Museum Book Club meetings. A free copy of the book is available with proof of registration while supplies last. Participants may pick up their copy starting Wednesday, May 1 at the 2nd floor Library Reference Desk.

About the book: Inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th century China, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women follows the journey of Tan Yunxian, the eldest daughter of an elite family who is raised by her grandmother, one of only a handful of female doctors in China. From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose, and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights. How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later? 

To join the Museum Book Club email list or for any questions please email museum@rosenberg-library.org or call 409.763.8854 Ext. 125 for additional information.