Fishbone Cinderella Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- How does Ha Yut Ying's ability to turn invisible influence her actions and decisions throughout the story?
- What is the significance of the gold bracelet shaped like fishbones, and how does it affect Yut Ying's journey?
- Do you think Ha Yut Ying's mother was right to be concerned about the curse and give Yut Ying the bracelet for protection?
- How does the setting of Guangdong in 1940 and post-war Hong Kong contribute to the atmosphere and themes of the story?
- In what ways does Yut Ying's relationship with her stepmother shape her character and her choices?
- What role does Tommy Yeung play in Yut Ying's life, and how does their initial encounter set the course for their futures?
- Discuss the theme of destiny in the novel. Do you believe the characters have control over their destinies, or are they influenced by fate?
- How does the novel's structure, with its blend of fantasy elements and historical context, impact your understanding of the story?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt a particular object or piece of jewelry had a significant impact on your life, similar to Yut Ying's bracelet?
- What are your thoughts on the ending? Do you feel it provided closure for Yut Ying and Tommy's story, or were there unresolved elements?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
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