DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Discuss the importance of place in The Glass
6. As the violent uprisings begins to take over the
Kingdom. What role does the setting play, and how does it influence the atmosphere of the novel?
city of Bangkok, the tenants of the apartment building seem, for the most part, shielded from the conflict. Discuss the interplay of the “outside” world and the world of The Kingdom throughout the novel, and what happens when the boundary between the two starts to dissolve.
2. The novel carousels through the points of view of different characters, allowing the reader to be privy to their inner thoughts and reactions. What is gained by having multiple narrators rather than, say, experiencing the story solely through Sarah’s eyes?
3. What role does gossip play in the plot of The
7. The Kingdom staff, such as Pop and Goi, often act as the eyes and ears of the entire building. What role do they play in the story?
Glass Kingdom?
8. Many residents of The Kingdom are ex-pats in 4. Mali and Sarah’s friendship can be described as a form of enchantment. What draws the two together initially, and how do you feel about Mali by the end of the novel?
5. The women in the book come from a variety of backgrounds. Discuss the role that nationality and class might play in the way these characters engage with each other.
Bangkok. What is the role of the “insider” versus the “outsider” throughout the novel?
9. The apartment complex consists of a large central atrium with many glass-fronted windows. As such, they offer glimpses into the lives of the inhabitants in the building. Discuss the theme of surveillance in The Glass Kingdom. What might the young girl, whom Sarah often sees watching her in the building, symbolize?
10. In what way is The Glass Kingdom a story about karma? Which actions of Sarah’s come back to haunt her?
DRINKS Be sure to toast with a Thai “Chaiyo!” before you drink. YADONG If you find yourself in Bangkok, drink like The Glass Kingdom’s characters do and try yadong, a potent, herbal Thai moonshine. As Vice reports, it has traditionally been sold by street vendors, but has recently shown up in Bangkok’s high-end restaurants and bars.
highball If you can’t procure any yadong, try a highball like Roland. He drinks his with Yamazaki, a pricey Japanese whisky. • 1 oz. Japanese whisky • 4 oz. soda water 1. A dd ice cubes to a chilled tumbler. 2. P our in whisky and slowly add soda water. 3. S tir slowly to incorporate. (You stir slowly so the gas doesn’t escape the soda water.) 4. A dd lemon zest or a lemon wedge (juiced into the highball) as garnish if you wish. Source
LEMONGRASS TEA For something not quite as strong, try this non-alcoholic lemongrass tea. • 4 cups water • 2 cups roughly chopped lemongrass stalks • ¼ cup sugar • Lime wheels for garnish (optional) 1. B ring the water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. 2. A dd the lemongrass and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. 3. R educe the heat to low and simmer the tea for an additional 5 minutes. 4. S train the stalks from the liquid. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. 5. S erve warm, or chill in the refrigerator and pour over ice. Source