Things We Lost to the Water

How do Hương, Tuấn, Bình, and Vinh demonstrate different aspects of the immigrant experience? Discuss, referencing the text.

Đinh-Fredric, a mixed Black/Vietnamese boy, reminds Hương of Vietnam, but Vinh doesn’t. Why do you think this is? Explain your reasoning, referencing the text.

What is the significance of Nguyen’s use of language and place in the novel? Explain, referencing examples from the text.

How do names—and the changing of them—connect to characters’ identities in the novel? Reference examples from the text.

Bình is constantly told he resembles Công. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

Compare Vinh’s and the Southern Boyz’ perceptions of Vietnam. How are they similar and/or different? Who, if anyone, is right? Why?

Hương considers Catholicism and communism equally dangerous. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Why do you think Công remarried? Do you agree with Lan that Hương knew the “real” Công (226)? Why or why not?