A Song to Drown Rivers

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. If you know the legend of Xi Shi, what is your impression of Jiang’s retelling of the old story? If you aren’t familiar with the stories about Xi Shi, what was your overall impression of the novel?

2. Most of Ann Jiang’s other novels are focused on a YA audience. How does this novel depart from that? In what ways does this novel reflect Jiang’s already established style?

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.