Homeseeking

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What are your feelings about the romance between Haiwen and Suchi at the heart of this novel?

2. How does this work compare to Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang? 

3. Does the work give you a new understanding of immigrants and the challenges they face? If so, how? What is most surprising or interesting about Chen’s depiction of immigrant experiences?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Do any of the challenges that the characters face, such as having to leave home or give up dreams of a musical career, relate to your personal experiences? If so, how?

2. Do you think the way Suchi and Haiwen respond to being separated is understandable and/or realistic? Why?

3. The characters have to navigate many different language barriers. Have you ever been in a similar situation? What did that feel like, and how did you handle it?

4. Haiwen’s feelings about Linyee are complicated. Is he unfaithful to her? Why or why not? Should he have treated her better?