Ann, Hương, and Minh are the three narrators of Banyan Moon. How are they different? How are they similar? Compare and contrast their three points of view. In what ways does Thai’s narrative structure contribute to the novel’s overall impact? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

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?