Create a free Bookclubs account to organize your book club, get reading recommendations, view hundreds of discussion guides, and more!
The Three-Body Problem
"War of the Worlds for the 21st century." - Wall Street Journal
The Three-Body Problem is the first chance for English-speaking readers to experience the Hugo Award-winning phenomenon from China's most beloved science fiction author, Liu Cixin.
Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion. The result is a science fiction masterpiece of enormous scope and vision.
These book club questions were prepared by Bookclubs staff.
Book club questions for The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
The novel is not written chronologically, but instead jumps in time and across points of view. Why do you think Liu Cixin chose to tell the story in this fashion? Would you have preferred a more linear structure?
The Three-Body Problem can be categorized as “hard science fiction”, delving deep into real-life scientific concepts and in particular the titular “three-body problem” in physics. Did you enjoy all the science in the novel? Did you feel like the author did a good job of explaining it to a lay audience, or was there anything you struggled to understand?
The book depicts humanity encountering a more technologically advanced alien civilization. How does this first contact scenario compare to how you imagined it? What insights does it offer about cultural differences and perspectives?
How familiar were you with China's Cultural Revolution? How does Liu's depiction of this era impact your understanding of Ye's motivations and mindset? In what ways does the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath loom over the novel's narrative and themes?
Ye Wenjie’s decisions have universe-altering consequences. Do you sympathize with her actions or not? What would you have done in her situation?
What did you think about the balance between plot and character development versus exploration of big ideas in the novel? Which characters did you most enjoy getting to know? Who would you have liked to see more fleshed out?
The book touches on themes of government control, authoritarian regimes, and the trade-offs between freedom and security. What commentary does the novel provide on these issues?
Elements of mystery and conspiracy drive much of the novel's narrative. Were you able to piece together the various storylines before the reveals? What did you think of the plotting and pacing?
How does the book make you think differently about science, technology, morality, humanity's place in the cosmos, or other big philosophical questions?
This book is the first of a trilogy. Do you intend to read the additional books? If so, what are you hoping they’ll cover?
If you've seen the Netflix adaptation, what did you think of the changes made to the story? Did they enhance or take away from your enjoyment?
The Three-Body Problem Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the The Three-Body Problem discussion questions