Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Discuss your favorite and least favorite aspects of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. Which plot points were most or least believable and most or least relatable?

2. Compare and contrast Lady Tan’s Circle of Women to See’s other novels—for instance, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Island of Sea Women, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. What narrative and thematic overlaps do you notice? If you had never read See before, did this novel make you want to check out her other work?

3. What other works of historical fiction is See’s novel in conversation with? Consider titles set in similar eras or that explore similar themes—e.g., Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, which is set just prior to the advent of the Ming Dynasty.

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on your response to the narrative revelations about Spinster Aunt’s death.