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The Girls of Good Fortune
The New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide shines a light on shocking events surrounding Portland's dark history in this gripping novel of love, lore, and betrayal.
She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story.
Oregon, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of Portland's notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival―being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment―she fears that far more than her own fate hangs in the balance.
As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.
A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.
This discussion guide was provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks.
Book club questions for The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including “Fortune rests in misfortune” and “Knowledge changes destiny.” How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they also apply in real life? If so, how?
By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or “shanghaied”? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
Similarly, had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions including love, joy, pride, self-doubt, shame, and guilt. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother’s behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
During a run-in with Celia at Portland’s City Park, Abigail solemnly claims she can relate to Celia’s romantic plight, “at least...to an extent.” But interrupted, she fails to expound. What do you imagine her experience might have been, and how does her sense of commonality with Celia ultimately
affect their relationship?
Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
The Girls of Good Fortune Book Club Questions PDF
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