READERS GUIDE

1. The book begins with the line once upon a time, as in a children’s story. How did this beginning set the tone for the rest of the book?


2. Early in the book, Margaret’s grandfather is honored as a Patriot of Korea and his grave is moved to the National Cemetery. She and all her relatives are in attendance, except Halmoni. Why do you think she refused to attend?


3. Starry Field explores themes of colonialism-political, social, economic, cultural-specifically in Korea. Is colonialism of any kind part of your own family lineage?


4.Margaret discovers facts about Halmoni’s early life through interviews with her about girlhood, marriage, and motherhood. How do these phases of her grandmother’s life compare to her own?


5. Margaret discovers that her father has struggled with the shame of his father’s imprisonment and death his entire life. How has shame affected other members of the family and influenced their decisions?


6. The tumultuous history of Korea in the twentieth century forms the background of this book. How much of this history were you aware of? If you were unaware of this history, why do you think this is the case?


7. The concept of finding “home” is central to this book and its characters. What do you think “home” means for Halmoni, for Eun Sul, for Margaret? Is home a place or something else?


8. Margaret describes being perceived as foreign in the United States, because of how she looks, and in Korea because she struggles to speak her parents’ language. How do these types of experiences affect how she sees herself?


9. During the Korean War, Halmoni burns all of her husband’s papers, explaining to her young son Eun Sul: “You never know what will happen. History is the proof.” What do you think she meant by this?


10. Margaret interviews several family members about the past, some who are initially reluctant to speak to her. Are there members of your own family you would like to ask about the past? How do you think you could approach them to speak if they are reluctant to do so?