June May travels through various locations in China on her journey to meet her half sisters. How does her physical journey through the country parallel and support her inner journey?

At various points, June May comments on characteristics of Chinese people and of China as a country. How does her understanding of what it means to be Chinese evolve throughout the story?

Many characters experience grief in this story, including June May, Canning, and Suyuan. Compare and contrast the ways they manage and experience their grief.