Immaculate Conception

Of all the art pieces in the book, why do you think the author, Ling Ling Huang, named the novel Immaculate Conception?

"The student body was like a stack of unused canvases, grating against each other as we hoped to be the next masterpiece. It was impossible to exist without breathing in another artist's paint fumes or wading through their oversized ego." (p. 8) How does Enka's experience at BCAD define her relationship with art?

The Dahl Corporation creates silver buffers between wealthy populations and the "fringe" communities. What is the purpose of the buffers? How does growing up as a fringe shape Enka?

What first makes Enka want to befriend Mathilde? In what ways do they bond as friends?

How does the Stochastic Archive change the art world? What do you think of everyone's reactions to it?

Discuss the relationship between media and art in the book. How do journalists respond to the different artists and art projects?

The novel introduces many types of parent-child relationships. Compare and contrast them. What do we see continue from one generation to the next?

"All science is worth pursuing, even without an end goal. You never know how something will be used. In this instance, though, my hope is to deepen empathy between humans." (p. 74) Discuss Logan's relationship with technology and empathy. In Huang's vision of the future, what parallels do you see to technology today?

Much of what we learn about Beatrice-and of the Immaculate Conception art project- stays off the page. What do you think about Mathilde's choices before and after?

What does Enka discover about Mathilde after the SCAFFOLD procedure? What comes to light about their friendship? Does it recast Enka's understanding of who her friend is? Of who Enka herself is?

"You breathe in and I breathe out" is a repeated mantra throughout the book. How does its meaning change?

Discuss the blurry lines between love and control, and between friendship and possession in the novel. Why do you think the boundaries between these forces feel so slippery for Enka? Do you think they are less slippery for Mathilde, and if so, why?