Shanghai Girls Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Shanghai Girls

A Novel

by Lisa See
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  • Critics' Consensus (8):
  • Readers' Rating (50):
  • First Published:
  • May 26, 2009, 336 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Feb 2010, 336 pages
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About this Book

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The Angel Island Immigration Station and our BookBrowse Review of Shanghai Girls.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Book Group Questions

  1. Pearl's narration is unique because of its level, calm tone throughout – even when the events she describes are horrific. One is reminded of Wordsworth's reference to "emotion recollected in tranquility." It is almost as if Pearl is writing in a diary. What was Lisa trying to accomplish in setting up this counterpoint between her tone and her narrative?
  2. Pearl is a Dragon and May is a Sheep. Do you think the two sisters are true to their birth signs in their actions in Shanghai Girls?
  3. Which sister is smarter? Which is more beautiful?
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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Random House. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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Reviews

Beyond the Book:
  The Angel Island Immigration Station

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