The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Estes ties Inara and Mei Lien in her descriptions and narrative arcs. What similarities and differences did you note about the two protagonists?

2. Discuss the dual narrative shifting between perspectives and time periods. How does it shape your understanding of both Mei Lien’s and Inara’s stories and experiences?

3. How did the slow reveal of Mei Lien’s fate affect you as you read the novel?

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

1. If you found an artifact like the silk sleeve, what would you do with it?

2. Have you ever experienced the loss of a parent or parental figure as Mei Lien, Inara, Daniel, and Yan-Tao experience in the novel? How do their experiences reflect or contradict your own?

3. How do Mei Lien and Inara’s experiences as women compare to your own experiences, or those of your female family and friends?

4. If you were faced with Joseph’s choices—to accept and protect a person demonized by your society—what do you think you would do? Why?

5. How has generational racism impacted your life or the life of your family?