The Girls of Good Fortune
Discussion Guide
- Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including "Fortune rests in misfortune" and "Knowledge changes destiny." How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they apply in real life? If so, how?
- By the end of the book, which characters would you consider "girls of good fortune," and in which ways?
- Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped, or "shanghaied"? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
- Similarly, had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
- Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
- Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions including love, joy, pride, self-doubt, shame, and guilt. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother's behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective, involving family or otherwise?
- During a run-in with Celia at Portland's City Park, Abigail solemnly claims she can relate to Celia's romantic plight, "at least...to an extent." But interrupted, she fails to expound. What do you imagine her experience might have been, and how does her sense of commonality with Celia ultimately affect their relationship?
- Celia's journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
- Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen's struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
- In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with her views?
