Gilbert and Ivy Book Club

Thu Nov 13 2025 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm

Gilbert and Ivy | Vicksburg

Gilbert and Ivy
Publisher/HostGilbert and Ivy
Gilbert and Ivy Book Club
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Join us as we read and discuss Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See.
About this Event

Next Meeting? Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:30pm

Cost? Book cost is $9.99 (plus tax)

Where will we meet? Gilbert and Ivy 100 S Main Street; Vicksburg


Book Overview

According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine.

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—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends.


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 importance.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gilbert and Ivy, 100 South Main Street, Vicksburg, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

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