Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

1. How would you describe Mina and Margot, the two characters at the heart of this novel? What about their relationship—why it is so difficult? Why do mother and daughter find it so hard to understand one another?
2. The police have ruled Mina's death accidental. Why does Margot doubt their conclusion? What, in her mind, makes it suspicious?
3. As Margot begins her investigation into her mother's death, whom does she come to suspect? What about you?
4. The Last Story of Mina Lee is about the perils and hardships of immigration. Why did Mina leave South Korea, and what were her hopes for a life in the United States? In what way did those dreams fall short?
5. Do you believe that Mina's story typical of most, or at least many, newly arrived immigrants? Does the novel offer you insights into the rationale, dreams, and hardships of those who leave their countries and families behind to come to America?
6. Talk about Margot's own journey as she explores her mother's life. How it change her? What does she come to understand about who her mother was—and, just as important, who she herself is?
7. What do you see for Margot in the coming years? Do you believe she will see her grandmother?

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