To be honest, I wasn't exactly jumping with excitement to start reading this book. It was a pick for my local book club, so I went for it - and, surprise, surprise, I'm glad I did!

Lisa See has clearly poured a ton of research into this novel. Set in 15th century China, it paints a vivid picture of life during that era, especially highlighting the stark class and gender divides and the state of medicine. The book delves into some harsh realities, like the brutal tradition of foot binding.

At its heart, though, is a beautiful exploration of friendship among women. In a time when women's rights were non-existent, the support and bond between these characters were truly uplifting to read. The story is inspired by the real-life Yunxian Tan, a pioneering female doctor, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth.

Fair warning, the pacing can feel a bit slow at first, but it picks up in the second half and becomes quite the page-turner.

If you're into historical fiction and stories about strong women defying the odds, this might just be your next favorite read. Definitely an enjoyable piece of historical fiction that took me by surprise.