Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

1. Why is keeping a family strong and together so important in the chinese society?
2. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think she is trying to get across to the reader?
3. How did any of the character's pasts influence their lives?
4. Which character seems to be causing the family conflict within the “Wong” family?
5. Why did the author choose the book to take place in Vancouver’s Chinatown? Does the author have a connection with this place?
6. Does the character “Fong Mei” remind you of anyone you know?
7. Does Mui Lan really just want Fong Mei to bare a child or does she have other intentions?
8. Are any of the relationships within the book that you would disagree with?
9. Why do you think the author ended the story this way?
10. How do you think this story relates to you in real life?

Please note that some of these questions can be essay questions. Feel free to use them at your leisure but make sure to cite this place if you are using them publicly.