A Scatter Of Light

For those who have also read Last Night at the Telegraph Club, what parallels does Lo draw between Lily and Kath’s relationship and Aria and Steph’s?

Many characters in the novel experience grief. Choose at least two characters; how do they cope similarly or differently?

What does Aria’s first-person narration convey? What are the limitations of this point of view?

How does the setting of 2013 Woodacre, in Marin County, California, support Aria’s self-discoveries? How might those discoveries have been different had she spent her summer on Martha’s Vineyard?

Aria has many artists in her life, who have had to decide whether to pursue it no matter the cost. What does it cost them, and how does this influence the artist Aria becomes by 2023?

Although Aria’s sexuality is central to her self-discoveries in California, she occasionally reflects on her Chinese identity. How does Lo characterize Aria’s relationship with her culture? Does this relationship change when she learns of her connection to Lily Hu?

Aria struggles to fit in with her Wellesley high school friends because of their wealth. How does her own understanding of privilege change while she’s in California? What does Lo use as indicators of privilege?

Aria pays close attention to everyone’s clothes in California. How does Lo address gender expression, and how does Aria’s external expression change as she explores her new identity?