Banyan Moon

Do your own research into one or more elements of the story (i.e., the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War, Vietnamese funerary customs, or Vietnamese immigration to the United States). Write a research essay detailing your findings. Consider whether your perspective on Banyan Moon has changed based on your findings.

Although this story is primarily about a family of women, Ann’s baby is a boy. Why do you think the sex of the baby is significant for the story? How might the book’s ending have been different if the baby were a girl?

Consider the role of religion in Banyan Moon. How do the characters’ religious beliefs and practices (or lack thereof) influence their choices and actions? How do these choices feed into their characterization?

Ann and Hương are both dynamic characters. How do they change or evolve over the course of the story? Develop your answer with specific examples from the text.

Compare and contrast Banyan Moon with another novel with similar themes. Suggestions include: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong or Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

Several characters in Banyan Moon have strong feelings about the importance of nuclear family. With reference to the text, explore how the characters’ perspectives on nuclear family contribute to the novel’s discussion of The Challenges of Mother-Daughter Relationships.

Research the story of Chú Cuội, the man in the moon. Consider any differences you find between existing versions of the myth and the version relayed in Banyan Moon. Are these differences significant? In what ways does Thai’s version connect to the novel’s themes?

Noah and Wes are Ann’s two love interests in the book. Compare and contrast these two men and, with reference to the text, explain why Ann does not choose to pursue a romantic relationship with either of them.