I just finished reading it and would give it a 4.5/5. The story follows Yunxian Tan, who, after her mother’s passing, relocates to her grandparents’ home. It’s here that she begins to absorb the ancient knowledge of medicine and the art of treating women, particularly under the guidance of her grandmother. Yunxian grows up learning to recognize the rhythm of pulses and the flow of "qi"—the energy coursing through our bodies. This concept fascinates me.
Yunxian’s character is one of strength and resilience, and her development throughout the book is both profound and subtle, much like the gradual shifting of parts in this book. Each part refers to certain stage of a woman's life: "the milk days", "hair-pining days", "rice-and-salt-days", and finally "the sitting quiet days". The story also contains a mystery element that adds depth, but it’s the careful exploration of medicinal practices and the intricate details of the human body and psyche that truly stood out to me. Moreover, as someone unfamiliar with East Asian cultures, I found the portrayal of Chinese traditions, familial hierarchies, and the societal pressures surrounding the birth of a son, along with the practice of foot-binding, as informative and deeply immersive.
Reading this book was a remarkable journey. Can anyone recommend something similar?
by PrestigiousBreak5