Topics for Discussion

  1. What characteristics make Luli and Yun different from each other? How have their different experiences in early childhood shaped their personalities?
  2. What does family mean to Luli? What does it mean to Yun?
  3. Why does Yun initially dismiss Ming’s warnings about Yong? What role does jealousy play in various characters’ behavior throughout the novel?
  4. Describe some cultural attitudes toward orphans in China. How do these attitudes affect Luli’s and Yun’s opportunities and the way they see themselves?
  5. Contrast Dali’s plans for her future with Luli’s. Why do you think Luli has such different aspirations?
  6. What are some differences between China and the United States in terms of family planning policies and options? What are some differences in cultural attitudes toward abortion, pregnancy out of wedlock, and motherhood?
  7. Why does Yun have no desire to be a mother? How does she express this?
  8. How do laws and money affect Yun’s decisions about her pregnancy? How do people around her influence her actions?
  9. Why is Luli so determined to help Yun keep the baby instead of taking the baby to the orphanage? What is she overlooking in her eagerness to take care of Yun and the baby?
  10. According to his family, how has Yong’s life been influenced by his lack of a hukou? Do you believe Ma’s claim that all Yong’s problems and bad decisions stem from this?
  11. Why does Yun decide to help Yong sell Chun? How does she justify this decision to herself? What are her alternatives and why does she dismiss them?
  12. When Yun leaves with Yong and Chun, she reflects, “People have often let me know that I’m a worthless person, but now I feel I’m a terrible one.” Why does she feel this way? Do you agree? Why or why not?
  13. What are Ming’s motivations? In what ways has his behavior toward Luli throughout the novel been manipulative or controlling? What red flags has Luli noticed, and what has she missed?
  14. After Yun and Yong leave with Chun, how does Luli feel about Yun’s actions? What eventually moves Luli to forgive Yun for her actions?
  15. What do you think Chun’s life will be like? Do you think she will be better off than Luli, Yun, and Yong were? Why or why not?
  16. At the end of the novel, what do you think the characters would change about their situations? How do you think their experiences in the novel will influence their choices in the future?