When Broken Glass Floats

Athy indicates that she has changed some of the names of the people involved in the story. Why do you think she chose to do this?

Why did Athy become involved with the Khmer Adolescent Project about the experiences of Cambodian children during the Khmer Rouge regime?

Chea composes a poem after shaving her head in Chapter 12. Describe how the poem’s tone changes from the beginning to the end.

In Chapter 11 Athy notes that she feels “a sense of connection” (221) to the women she is working with sifting rice, after telling a funny story about how her mother taught her to sift. Why does Athy feel this connection, and why is she surprised by it?

Why do Athy and her siblings hesitate to leave Chhnoel in Chapter 15, after receiving the warning letter from the Khmer Rouge?

Compare Ra’s two marriages. How are they similar? How do they differ?

Of all Athy’s siblings, we know the least about Map. How do you think Map’s experiences under the Khmer Rouge affected him?

Why did Athy write this book? What do you think she wants the reader to understand?