A Song to Drown Rivers

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

1. Xishi uses her beauty—and the desire it engenders in men like Fuchai—as a source of power. Can beauty and desire be empowering in the modern world? Can they be disempowering? How so? 

2. What resonated with you about the relationship Xishi has with Fanli? In contrast, what resonated with you about her relationship with Fuchai?

3. By the end of the novel, Xishi has a very different idea about war and its merits than when she started. Her friend, Zhengdan, however, seems to believe that her sacrifice and death are worth it until the end. Where do you stand on this issue? Is there ever a time when war is justified?

4. While both women are considered beautiful, Xishi is thoughtful and Zhengdan is more action-oriented. Which do you relate to more? How does each woman’s skillset benefit her in the role of espionage?

5. Is there a time you had to sacrifice out of duty or loyalty? How did that manifest, and how did it ultimately affect you?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Our current culture puts a lot of value on physical beauty, and yet each culture sees beauty differently. What are some ideals of beauty from other times and cultures that you find interesting or desirable that are no longer in fashion in your particular time and culture?

2. Historically, Xi Shi has been seen in a variety of ways depending on the time and who is remembering her. Jiang reimagines her a specific way, but by modern cultural standards, do you think she would be judged negatively as the downfall of a kingdom or as a heroic woman who saves her people?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. This novel is in a first-person point of view, showing us all of Xishi’s thoughts and emotions. In your opinion, how would the novel be different if it were written in a third-person point of view? 

2. Compare the character development of Fanli and Fuchai. Which do you feel you know best? What might be the reason Jiang chose to develop the characters in this way?

3. Jiang incorporates the motif of water, an aspect of the original stories, throughout the novel in a few different ways. Which use of water did you find the most powerful? Why?

4. Xishi experiences conflict with many characters in the novel. Which conflict that Jiang created felt the most poignant to you in how it manifested and resolved?