Discuss the parallels between Lin's life and the political cycle in China during the time of the novel. How does his desire to leave Shuyu for Manna and then his eventual dissatisfaction with Manna and awakened interest in Shuyu mirror the experience of the Chinese people before, during, and after the Cultural Revolution? How do the two women represent the differing cultures within China at the time?

Explain how the strict rules and regulations of military conduct both restrict and protect Lin. Do you think his relationship with Manna would have been different if their society had embraced them as a couple?

Which is more prevalent throughout the book, internal dialogue or conversations with other people? Explain the effect on the reader of being taken deeply into the thought process of the main characters and the conversations they have with themselves. Does this allow...