1. The majority of English-language novels set during World War II take place in Europe. What did you know about World War II in Asia before reading The Library of Legends and how did you learn? In school? Through books? TV and movies?
2. The Library of Legends is set during a time of great political and social change. What sorts of situations do the educated young adults of Minghua University encounter to make them question their assumptions?
3. Chinese culture has honored education and teachers for thousands of years. Discuss how this is reflected in the novel.
4. When reading historical novels, especially those set in foreign places, it can be hard to set aside our modern sensibilities. What situations in the book did you find hard to relate to and why?
5. What were the situations you empathized with and why?
6. At the beginning of the novel, Lian is aloof and cautious about forming attachments. How does she change over the course of the story and what are the factors that contribute to her change?
7. The Second Sino-Japanese War displaced an estimated eighty to one hundred million Chinese. How relevant do you feel the themes in this novel are compared to current world events?
8. The students of Minghua University endured a great deal of suffering on their evacuation, both physical and mental. Which of the hardships experienced by the characters would you find most difficult to bear?
9. In the novel, it’s not just people but also the gods and guardian spirits of China who are leaving their homes. What do you think the author means to say about the impact this war had on China?
10. The author was inspired to write The Library of Legends because of her father’s stories about his life as a refugee student traveling with his university during the years of war between China and Japan. The Author’s Notes highlight some (not all) of the incidents and characters that were based on real life. Which of these affected you the most once you knew they were true events?
11. There are many categories of historical fiction. The Library of Legends adds an element of fantasy to an otherwise traditional historical novel (one that stays true to events of the past). How do you feel about historical fiction that crosses genres to incorporate fantasy, alternative history, romance, mystery, and so on?
12. If the author were to write a sequel to The Library of Legends, which of the characters would you want the story to follow?

Behind the Book: The Years of War

Readers always ask which incidents in the novel are based on true events. There is so much in this book drawn from my own family history and family connections.