A young Chinese woman's escape from a restrictive life leads her to a forbidden love in the opulent yet perilous world of a Shanghai brothel. May, beautiful and charismatic, flees an arranged marriage in rural China, seeking a new life in a Shanghai brothel at the turn of the 20th century. There, she encounters Arthur, a member of the Foot Emancipation Society, who becomes instantly captivated by her bound feet, a symbol of traditional Chinese beauty that clashes with his progressive ideals. Their burgeoning relationship unfolds against a backdrop of societal change and personal desire, navigating the complex social strata of the era.

Kathryn Harrison's "The Binding Chair" is recognized for its evocative portrayal of a tumultuous historical period and its exploration of complex human relationships. Critics have noted the novel's rich historical detail, particularly its depiction of Shanghai in 1899 and the controversial practice of foot-binding. The central romance between May and Arthur is often highlighted for its intensity and the societal conflicts it embodies. The narrative is praised for its lyrical prose and its ability to immerse the reader in the sensory and emotional landscape of its setting, offering a compelling look at desire, tradition, and emancipation.