Novels That Highlight Women’s Historic Struggles

By I Start Wondering Columnist Rhonda Collins and Founder Dorian Martin

The role of women seems to be up for discussion these days—so we’re offering several historical fiction novels to provide some interesting insights to use to judge today’s news. These books will provide an engrossing fall read to enjoy with a cup of tea, hot chocolate or a glass of wine as the temperatures cool. Enjoy!

Rhonda’s Recommendation:

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women* by Lisa See

The book’s plot from the author’s website:

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. 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... staying forever within the walls of the family compound. How might a woman like Yunxian break free of these traditions, go on to treat women and girls from every level of society, and lead a life of such importance that many of her remedies are still used five centuries later?  How might the power of friendship support or complicate these efforts? Lady Tan’s Circle of Woman* is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.

What Rhonda says about the book:

Once again, See has written a lovely and compelling story about strong Chinese girls and women. This historical novel is based on Lady Tan Yunxian, an actual woman from the Ming Dynasty, who wrote the earliest known book of remedies by a Chinese female doctor. The book begins in 1469, when the protagonist is just 8 years old, and continues until Lady Tan is a retired matriarch in her 90s. 

The novel follows Yunxian as she develops the knowledge and skills to function as a physician — even though not acknowledged as one by her society — all the while, moving through life with her feet bound and her head down. The beautifully written narrative immersed me in the history of medicine and traditions of that era, as I came to understand the struggles of a talented, resilient woman who navigates cultural limitations, social stigmas, female friendships and family politics in order to pursue her passion and help other women.

Dorian’s Recommendations:

The War Librarian* by Addison Armstrong

Summary of the Book from Bookshop:

Two women. One secret. A truth worth fighting for.1918. Timid and shy Emmaline Balakin lives more in books than her own life. That is, until an envelope crosses her desk at the Dead Letter Office bearing a name from her past, and Emmaline decides to finally embark on an adventure of her own—as a volunteer librarian on the frontlines in France. But when a romance blooms as she secretly participates in a book club for censored books, Emmaline will need to find more courage within herself than she ever thought possible in order to survive. 1976. Kathleen Carre is eager to prove to herself and to her nana that she deserves her acceptance into the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But not everyone wants female midshipmen at the Academy, and after tragedy strikes close to home, Kathleen becomes a target. To protect herself, Kathleen must learn to trust others even as she discovers a secret that could be her undoing.

What Dorian says about the book:

This book reminds me that history moves in cycles—and often through fits and starts (and surprising twists). I appreciated the alternating story between Emmaline, who volunteers to be a librarian at a military hospital near the frontlines in World War I, and Kathleen, who is in the first group of women admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976.

It’s interesting to see the changing idea of what “woman’s service” in the military entails—and also the pushback that comes from high-ranking military officials at the change. The book also dives into issues that are sadly prevalent today—the real cost of war beyond the chest-thumping platitudes, inequity between different groups of people, the desire powers-that-be (or those that want-to-be) have to control the narrative through book bans, propaganda, and other information. 

Interestingly, right after this book, my book group selected The Women* by Kristin Hannah. Rhonda already recommended this book in a previous I Start Wondering column, but I am finding it a very interesting read coming right after “The War Librarian” because it provides a viewpoint of female nurses during and after the Vietnam War. That book has extended my understanding of the cost of war—the trauma that affects both those who serve and civilians who are caught in the crossfire. 

The Women* also addresses the lack of governmental accountability by the Johnson Administration in conducting the war. That’s a lesson that we all need to learn in these times when many elected officials’ posturing seems to be more about a desire for power than for the ultimate good of the people.

*All purchases through Bookshop benefit an independent bookstore. Proceeds from the purchase of these books will be used to support I Start Wondering's programming for women who have reached mid-life and beyond.