A Map of Betrayal Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Ping Pong Diplomacy and our BookBrowse Review of A Map of Betrayal.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Why do you think the author has chosen a double narrative for this novel? Why do you think Lilian's story is told in the first person, while Gary's is told in third?
   


2. Compare Gary's relationships with the three women in his life—Nellie, Suzie, and Yufeng. Do you think Gary is idealizing his first wife and his love for his first country, or do you think his memories are accurate?
   


3. Does Gary betray one or both countries? How does he navigate his obligations to all the women in his life (wives, girlfriend, and his daughter)? Where do his love and loyalty ultimately lie?
   

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