I observe that Lizhi remembers what her parents have told her in great detail.

Notice:

This suggests to me that Lizhi is fond of her parents, and is a sentimental person. This is especially so towards her deceased father - she carries his words with great weight. She also talks about it a great deal with the new people she meets.

Wonder:

I wonder if this a reflection of her age (maturity) or if this characteristic of hers would change over time or as she interacts with other adults in the story.

Clarissa Lim

Observe:

1. Lizhi feels a deep sense of displacement as she moves to Singapore after her father’s passing. Aunt Monica’s cold and hostile demeanour intensifies this, as her blunt and cutting remarks make Lizhi feel unwelcome/a burden.

• Reference: "This is not a vacation, and we are not your servants."

Notice:

1. Aunt Monica’s hostility toward Lizhi is evident from the moment they meet. Perhaps, there is a deeper, unresolved resentment rooted in past family conflicts. Her cold, dismissive and sharp remarks but reveal underlying judgment.

• Reference: "You are here because you have nowhere else to go,”

• Reference: “Don’t expect us to clean up the mess your father left behind."

2. This hints at lingering anger Aunt Monica has towards Lizhi’s father. This could probably stem from unresolved disputes/past grievances within the family.

Wonder:

• Why does Aunt Monica hold so much resentment towards Lingzhi? Did something happen between her and Lizhi’s father?

• How will Lizhi’s relationship with Aunt Monica develop throughout the course of the story?

• How does the course of these negative events affect Lizhi’s struggle to adapt to her new environment?

Observe

• Lizhi's mother feels uncertain and doubts whether traveling to Singapore to meet her late husband's family was the right decision.

• The absence of family members at the airport or at the gate makes her question whether they are truly welcome.

  
  

Notice

• Her hesitation stems from this being her first direct encounter with her late husband's family.

• She is not just feeling unsure, she is also anxious about how they will treat Lizhi.

• Her protective instinct is evident - she does not want Lizhi to experience rejection or discomfort.

• The repetition of "Maybe this isn't such a good idea at all" suggests growing doubt, reinforcing her fear.

  
  

Wonder

• Why didn’t any immediate family members pick them up from the airport or welcome them at the gate/house?

• Was their absence intentional or was it a misunderstanding?

• How does this moment shape Lizhi’s feelings about her paternal family?

1. Both nature and buildings are mentioned many times alongside each other in Chapters 1 and 2.

2. Lizhi mentioned she loved the trees and the landscape surrounding the big house. This contrasted with the walls of the buildings her father painted on.

Notice:

1. I notice that the airport was big, bright and grand and colder than France, and even had a pond with fishes in it.

2. The fence around the big, old house was falling apart and had to be patched back with bits of rope. However, the house seems to be overshadowed by the nature which surrounds it.

Wonder:

1. Was Man overshadowing Nature at the airport, using Nature as a means to soothe the soul of travellers?

2. Has Nature taken over Man and slowly making it part of its ecosystem and does it still serve the function of soothing the human soul?

Chp 2, pg 8

"Because I promised your father,"..."Anyway, even if they don't want to see me it's about time they met you."

Observe:

• Juliette is aware that she is an outsider (by ethnicity, citizenship and culture as well as seen to be influencing Michael to stay an artist vs a doctor/lawyer) who is not welcomed in the very traditional Wang family

Notice:

• Juliette visited anyway, though done a year after Michael's death {Chp2, pg9}

• Juliette, though in shock (more than loss) and apprehensive, was able to make decisions to keep the promise made though she was not looking forward to it {Chp2, pg12}

• Juliette did not stay but dropped Lizhi off {Chp1, pg5} with the presumption that the Wang family would want to see Lizhi

Wonder:

• Did Juliette wonder if the Wang family really wanted to see Lizhi?

• Did she think that Lizhi would be accepted and treated well or looked upon strangely and treated with disdain?

• What was going through her mind when she said the shock was greater than the loss {Chp2, pg9}?

Notice: Lizhi’s lack of regular schooling may suggest she was homeschooled or had an unconventional education.

Wonder:

• Why did Lizhi not attend a regular school?

• How will this affect her ability to make friends and adjust to life in Singapore?

• How will her education (or lack of traditional schooling) shape the way she sees and interacts with the world around her?

2) Observe: Lizhi's mother leaves her behind in Singapore. Lizhi is left in the care of Aunt Mona, whom she barely knows.

Notice: Lizhi’s mother leaving her behind suggests that she might not be able (or willing) to take care of Lizhi at that moment. It might also have something to do with the promise made to Lizhi's father.

Wonder:

• Why did Lizhi’s mother leave her behind?

• How does Lizhi feel about her mother’s decision?

• Will her mother return for her, or is this arrangement permanent?

• How will Lizhi’s relationship with her mother change because of this?

(reference: pg. 1 "...Lizhi could see the garden was full of trees and plants and long grass. That made her happy." and pg. 56 "She was even more excited by the thought of exploring the mangrove swamps than of finally having something different to eat.")

Notice: I think she might have grown up in an environment where greenery is abundant and she spends a lot of time outdoors.

Wonder: I wonder if her parents had fostered and shared the love for nature with Lizhi. I also wonder how they used to spend time together as a family.

Notice: He seems to be quite a capricious person. But at the same time, he could just be free-spirited and someone without a care for rules. He does not conform to societal norms (also seen by the fact that he chose to be an artist despite his parents' objections) and is happy to raise his daughter the same way.

Wonder: I wonder why and how Lizhi's father had fallen in love with painting. Was his non-conformity a way of rebelling against his parents or was he just going after his heart's desires?

Observe:

• Lizhi is a positive young lady.

• The prospects of going to a local school excites her.

Notice:

• Lizhi is a very bright child. Although she has a unique childhood and did not attend school regularly, she is observant and tries to understand her surroundings.

• Her ideas about school are naive -having the same friends to play with all the time, and for as long as she wishes.

• She did not stay at one place long enough to realise other aspects of schooling - learning and building relationships that may have their ups and downs.

Wonder:

• What did Lizhi's parents shared with her about going to school and/or what to expect when settling in a particular school?

• How many places had Lizhi been to due to her parents' business?

• What did she learn while being on the road?

Observe:

• Lizhi is fearful of forgetting her father.

• She does not want her mother to worry about her, or be saddened that Lizhi has this fear.

Notice:

• Lizhi must have loving relationships with both her parents. It shows that they had a wonderful life together and being together made her feel safe.

• Her parents must have spent a lot of time with her and they had had shared many experiences with her.

• Her father was very special to her and she does not want to forget even the little things about him.

• For a small person, she is experiencing big feelings. She clearly misses her father.

Wonder:

• Did Juliette share her feelings surrounding Michael's death with Lizhi?

• Would anyone in her father's family be able to share Lizhi's grief and help her overcome her big feelings in Singapore?

• Will Lizhi be able to settle down in Singapore happily with her mother?

Observe :

• This is something Lizhi’s father used to say, meaning he is no longer around to say it.

• It emphasizes the importance of making a good impression on others.

Notice :

• Lizhi may be worried about how her Singaporean relatives will perceive her.

• Lizhi's father had some experiences of it; perhaps he struggled with being misjudged in his own life.

Wonder :

• Why did Lizhi’s father emphasize this lesson? Did he personally experience being misjudged?

• How will this belief influence Lizhi’s actions in the story?

• Will she try too hard to please others?

Observe :

• It suggests Lizhi could have hidden her emotions and feelings towards her father's passing.

• Yet, it seems to also suggest that though her father had passed away, he is still alive in her memory.

Notice :

• This relates to Lizhi’s emotions about her father’s passing—no matter how much time passes, grief and memories remain.

• There may be secrets, hidden truths, or unspoken emotions in Lizhi’s family.

• Michael’s statement contrasts with outward appearances—what is seen on the surface versus what is truly inside.

Wonder :

• What exactly does "what lies beneath" refer to?

• Is it about emotions, family secrets, or something else?

• Why did Michael tell Lizhi this?

• Did he know something about her past or her family?

• Will Lizhi discover something hidden about her father or her family history?

Observe:

·  Aunt Mona plays a significant role in Lizhi's family, helping her parents get married.

·  Aunt Mona may be a kind and caring aunt to Lizhi due to her teaching profession

Notice:

·  Lizhi seems to admire and respect Aunt Mona, asking if she will teach them lessons like Papa used to.

·  The family dynamics are complex, with Grandfather being angry about the marriage.

·   Lizhi is close to her Papa who used to teach her lessons.

Wonder:

·  How did Aunt Mona help her parents get married? Why did she do it?

·  Will Aunt Mona agree to teach the speaker lessons, and what kind of relationship will they develop?

Observe:

·  Lizhi feels unfairly treated by Aunt Mona's reaction.

Notice:

 ·  Lizhi stands up for herself and explains her actions, showing confidence and assertiveness. 

Wonder:

·  How will Aunt Mona respond to Lizhi's explanation, and will their relationship be affected by this interaction?

'But what lies beneath will always be there,' Michael used to tell her. 'Even if you don't see it - the texture, the foundations are there.'

Observe:

I observe that Michael acknowledges the foundations of his work or even perhaps the foundation of himself as a person with Singaporean roots even though he did not go back to Singapore after marrying Juliette.

Notice:

He seemed to care a lot about Juliette's feeling when Lizhi asked him about Singapore. It is almost like he was hiding his thoughts about Singapore and his relatives under a thick layer of paint.

Wonder:

I wonder how Michael was like as a person. Does it have anything to do with him falling in love with painting? Is he an introvert who conceals his real feelings just to make others comfortable?

'To school?' Lizhi was amazed and delighted...The idea of having the same friends to play with every day, for weeks and months and perhaps even years, appealed to her tremendously.

Observe:

I observe that Lizhi looks forward to attending school regularly.

Notice:

It seems that Lizhi is not concerned about where she will be attending regular school, but when. I think she yearns for stability in her life especially when she has been travelling a lot with her parents.

Wonder:

I wonder if she will truly enjoy attending school regularly since she is used to travelling with her parents. Will she be able to interact with peers her age and develop a bond with them? Will she be bored of seeing familiar faces and the mundane school life? Does she have the adaptability?

Notice: I notice that Lizhi’s mother taught her geography depending on the country they were in at the time and her father enjoyed travelling around the world. This suggests that the family moved frequently, making it difficult for Lizhi to stay in one place long enough to attend a regular school.

Wonder:

• I wonder how Lizhi felt about not attending a regular school. Did she enjoy learning from her parents, or did she wish to experience school life with other children?

• I wonder if learning in different countries helped Lizhi develop a unique perspective on the world.

• I wonder how Lizhi’s education compared to that of children who attended regular schools. Did she feel ahead, behind, or different from them?

Lizhi Arrives in Singapore

Observe: Lizhi arrives in Singapore to live with her late father’s family. She is unfamiliar with the place, and her first impressions include the weather, architecture and the taxi driver. She seems very positive and excited about what is to come.

Notice: The descriptions highlight how foreign Singapore feels to Lizhi. She is dealing with both cultural differences and emotional challenges, like her father’s passing and adjusting to a new environment.

Wonder: How will Lizhi’s feelings about Singapore and the people she meet change over time?

Lizhi's relationship with her father

• Observe: Lizhi seems very close to her father.

• Notice: Lizhi would recall fond memories of her time with her father as well as the things he liked and liked doing.

• Wonder: Was there a time when their relationship was strained? If her father had been alive, would her interaction with his family members cause a rift in their relationship?

Observe: Lizhi and her mother have arrived in Singapore, but they are not back from a leisure trip overseas.

Notice: Lizhi seems excited but her mother seems anxious (she tries to play down the anxiety so as not to cause Lizhi any worry). The feelings reflect pretty accurately when there is a big move in the family - the children are excited while the parents fret over matters about settling down.

Wonder:

1. Why did Lizhi and her mother travel from France to Singapore?

2. Why was Lizhi's mother anxious about this move?

Observe: Lizhi had been homeschooled in France because her parents travelled a lot as artists.

Notice: Because of homeschooling, Lizhi seems wise beyond her words and comfortable interacting with adults (... had never had any trouble getting along with any of the people she met). Quite often, children who have been homeschooled have no trouble interacting with adults, but face challenges when they cannot relate to peers their age.

Wonder:

1. Can Lizhi relate to peers her age when she attends a regular school in Singapore?

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea after all"

Observe:

I observe that Lizhi's mother feels unwelcome and is hesitant about visiting Lizhi's Father's family in Singapore.

Notice:

I notice that it could have been because of previous interactions she had with his family that were negative. I also notice that Lizhi's Father's family not coming to the airport to pick them would make her even more hesitant.

Wonder:

• What kind of relationship did she have with his family? What made her take the step to come and visit them despite her reservations?

• How will this affect Lizhi's perspective of them? Is she able to process the complexities of their relationship?

'To school?' Lizhi was amazed and delighted. Because her family had travelled so much she had never attended school regularly like most children did.

Observe:

I observe that Lizhi was excited about attending school for the first time. She was also looking forward to having friends to play with her every day.

Notice:

I notice that something (going to school) that most children take for granted was something that Lizhi treasured. She had a positive outlook towards schooling and did not have any idea about the pressure and stress that might come with it.

Wonder:

• Since Lizhi had never gone to school, how would she be like when she interacts with other children?

• Would she be able to settle down in school?

• After having the school experience, would she still enjoy it? Or would she miss learning at home instead?

1. Observe- I observed that both Juliette and Michael placed importance on keeping promises and not being a hypocrite. She had ensured that she brought Lizhi to visit her grandfather, Aunt Mona and Singapore

2. Notice- This seems to tie in with the behaviour of some of the characters. The imperfections of a character eg Aunt Mona would eventually surface no matter how much one tries to hide. The idea of using paintings to bring out this point is interesting as both of them artists.

3. Wonder- I wonder how this notion can apply to some of the characters in the story. How the theme of false promises and false appearances play out in the plot? Will Lizhi/ Juliette be able to express her true feelings/intent?

   
   

Linzhi and her mother, Juliette, are in a taxi heading to Neo Tiew Crescent in Singapore, where Linzhi’s grandfather lives. They are going there after the sudden death of Linzhi’s father, Michael. Along the way, Linzhi is quietly processing the big changes in her life: moving from France to Singapore, possibly starting school for the first time, and living with her grandfather and Aunt Mona while her mother travels to China to sell Michael’s paintings. This transition seems overwhelming for Linzhi, especially since she hasn’t been to her grandfather’s house in ten years.

Notice:

It’s clear that Juliette and Linzhi are not warmly welcomed by the family. No one picked them up from the airport, and when they arrived, the gate to the house was still closed, even though the family knew their arrival time. This lack of hospitality hints at deeper family tensions. Juliette’s marriage to Michael caused friction with his parents, who had high expectations for him to become a doctor or lawyer like them. Instead, Michael pursued painting, encouraged by Juliette, who is of African descent and lived with him in France. This cultural and lifestyle clash seems to have driven a wedge between them and Michael’s family.

Is there something that stands out about:
a. The character we are meeting – Linzhi hasn’t seen her grandparents in ten years, and now she’s returning under stressful circumstances. This will likely be an emotional and possibly uncomfortable reunion.
b. What is happening – The cold reception suggests unresolved family conflict and tension. It feels like Juliette and Linzhi are outsiders, even though they are family.
c. The place being described – Neo Tiew Crescent sounds rural and isolated, mirroring the emotional coldness of the family. The big house raised on pillars, surrounded by trees, adds to the feeling of detachment and loneliness, almost like the house itself is unwelcoming.

The sudden death of Michael reminds me of my sister’s recent passing. That connection makes Juliette’s struggles feel even more real to you, especially her responsibility to manage Michael’s legacy while coping with grief. Sudden loss brings not only emotional shock but also forces people to make tough decisions and navigate life changes, just like Juliette and Linzhi are facing.

Wonder:

I wonder why Michael’s father hasn’t reached out to help Juliette and Linzhi. Is it because of lingering resentment over Michael’s choices? Or perhaps there’s a deeper family issue that hasn’t been revealed yet? It makes me question how family expectations and disappointments can shape relationships, especially in times of loss when support is most needed.

What question(s) do you have around this observation?

• Why didn’t Michael’s father or Aunt Mona pick them up from the airport, knowing they had just lost Michael?

• Is there any hope for reconciliation between Juliette and Michael’s family, or are the tensions too deep?

• When was this book written when the cab driver spoke a little Malay in response to the passengers or remarked in a situation? Taxi drivers these day mostly speak English. Neo Tiew Crescent is largely occupied by Cemeteries, Farms, Industrial Companies and Live Firing. How about in the past?

Observe: I observe that Aunt Mona and family had not opened the gate despite receiving the flight details from Juliette. (pg 5)

Notice: That was really unkind. I cannot imagine having such a frosty relationship with my in-laws. Gulp.

Wonder: I wonder what had transpired to cause such a rift in relationship between Juliette and Aunt Mona. Wasn't Aunt Mona the one who helped her brother get away so that he could marry Juliette and warned them how angry the patriarch was?

Set #2

Observe: I observe that when the taxi driver confirmed that he had driven them to the right place, Juliette actually said with a sigh, "I suppose this is the right house then." (Pg 2)

Notice: This reaction is unexpected. When I travel to a new country, I do not like to get lost or being driven to the wrong destination.

Wonder: I wonder what was the reason behind Juliette's sigh. Was she disappointed that she was driven to the correct place??? It sounded almost that she had wanted to be driven to the wrong place! Hmm...

Observe: Lizhi seems like a conscientious and detailed girl.

Notice: She can come across as inquisitive (overly at times) to those who do not know her well.

Wonder: I wonder if this was due to her nature or nurture?

Observe: Lizhi’s mother had been worried about how she would be able to mingle with other children.

Notice: This could be an worry stemming from her being homeschooled.

Wonder: Would Lizhi really have struggled in a social setting with other children her age?

Linzhi Wang is a curious, excited ten-year-old girl with pale brown skin, big curious eyes, and curly black hair. Despite her age, she has never met her grandfather or Aunt Mona in Singapore. Her father, Michael Wang, had studied in England, where he met and married Juliette Fournier, Linzhi's mother. Even though Michael often talked about returning to Singapore, they never did while he was alive. Now, a year after Michael’s death, Juliette is taking Linzhi to Singapore—not only to connect with family but also because Juliette cannot take Linzhi with her to China, where she plans to sell Michael's paintings.

• Linzhi Wang: A young girl who is trying to piece together memories of her late father while stepping into an unfamiliar part of her family’s life.

• Juliette Fournier: Linzhi’s mother, who supported Michael in pursuing his art, despite the disapproval from his family. She’s navigating her own grief while trying to care for Linzhi and manage Michael's artistic legacy.

• Michael Wang: Linzhi’s father, a passionate artist who defied his family’s expectations to follow his love for painting. His death has left a significant void in both Juliette and Linzhi’s lives.

• Grandfather and Aunt Mona: Michael’s family in Singapore, whom Linzhi has never met. Their relationship with Juliette seems strained due to cultural differences and Michael’s choices. Juliette is bringing Linzhi to Singapore for the first time after Michael’s death, not only to meet Michael’s family but also because she needs to leave Linzhi with them while she travels to China. Linzhi is excited but also filled with anxiety about remembering her father and adapting to this new environment.

• They arrive in a taxi, navigating through a rural area in Singapore to find the family house. The rural setting feels both physically and emotionally distant, reflecting the gap between Juliette, Linzhi, and Michael’s family. The story hints at isolation not just in the landscape but also in the strained family dynamics. The house likely holds memories of Michael that Linzhi has never experienced firsthand.

  Notice:

• Linzhi is deeply afraid of forgetting her father. She clings to both big and small memories—birthdays, celebrations of new paintings, and his love for nature. Even mundane moments, like seeing him waiting after her lessons, are precious to her. Juliette helps by sharing stories, like the one about Michael’s failed attempt to cook soup inside a melon just to create a painting of an authentic Chinese meal. These shared memories help keep Michael’s presence alive for both of them.

  Wonder

• I wonder if Juliette and Linzhi have photographs of Michael to help them remember him. Photographs could serve as a tangible link to the past, reinforcing the memories Linzhi is afraid of losing. It also makes you wonder how the family in Singapore preserves Michael's memory—do they have photos or keepsakes? Or have they distanced themselves from his life choices so much that they've erased reminders of him?

Observe

She seems like she is just fulfilling her late husband's wishes and does not want to interact with anyone.

Notice:

Mother does not seem comfortable with being there. I guess her feelings makes sense as her husband's family did not really meet her or approve of her.

Wonder:

I wonder how she feels about leaving her daughter in Singapore while she flies back home.

Reference: Understanding some of the things he had talked about would be a way of getting to know him better even though he was gone.

Observe:

Juliette was actively trying to keep the memory of Michael alive in both hers and Lingzhi's minds. I can see how much they miss him.

Notice:

Lizhi understands what her mother was trying to do and happily responded to her. She also knows that her mother was not very keen on Lizhi meeting Michael's relatives.

Wonder:

How did Juliette get in touch with Michael's family. How was their correspondence like?

"Are you sure this is the right place?" her mother asked. She did not seem as happy as Lizhi to see all the plants and grass and trees.

(pg 1)

Observe

• Lizhi and her mother have arrived at a new place Lizhi has never been to before.

• The two have different emotions about the place.

Notice

• Lizhi is interested in the place that she and her mother have arrived at. She seems to like nature and the outdoors.

• Lizhi's mother, in contrast, seems to be unhappy to see the place. She does not seem to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Wonder

• Does Lizhi enjoy the outdoors? Is this indicative about the type of person she is, with an enjoyment for adventure?

• Why is Lizhi's mother unhappy? Is it the nature that's bothering her, or the memories that such a place evokes in her?

  
  

"Lingzhi's father used to say it was important to make a good first impression because once people got the wrong impression it was very difficult to make them change their minds."

Observe:

I observe that Lingzhi's father, Michael, though having living abroad for many years, still kept in touch with his Asian etiquette. Lingzhi's mother, Juliette, also has the same belief as Michael as she meticulously prepared and starched Lingzhi's clothes so that Michael's family would have a good impression of her.

Wonder:

• Does this belief stem from the lack of support from Michael's family when he married Juliette because she was a foreigner? Aunt Mona was also observed to have stereotypes of Juliette because she was from France.

• How did Lingzhi feel as she had to put in extra effort to make a good first impression because of her ethnicity?

_{This would have been for his own good because as a doctor or lawyer Michael Wang would have been able to earn enough to support a wife and children.}

_Observe:

• _{The statement suggests that Michael Wang was encouraged to pursue a career as a doctor or lawyer.}

• _{The rationale given is that these professions would enable him to support a wife and children.}

_Notice:

• _{The emphasis on financial stability indicates that Michael's family valued economic security and traditional career paths.}

• _{The phrase "for his own good" implies that his family's intentions were protective, aiming to ensure his well-being. It also brings to light the disappointment and regret that the family feels about Michael's choice of career.}

• _{This perspective may highlight a cultural expectation where certain professions are deemed more prestigious or acceptable.}

_Wonder:

• _{How did these expectations affect Michael's personal aspirations, self esteem and relationships?}

• _{In what ways do these familial pressures influence the narrative and character dynamics in the story?}

• _{"would have been able to earn enough to support a wife and children" -- does this mean that they were struggling financially since he didn't choose that path recommended by his family?}

Observe:

• Lizhi is eager to meet and get to know her relatives whom she's never met, and has only heard stories about

Notice:

• Lizhi seems to be an obedient and diligent girl, who is willing to make effort to give off a good first impression

• She seems to have/have had a good relationship with her father, and keeps in my advice given by him

Wonder:

• Why is it that Lizhi has never met these relatives before? Was she and her family far away (distance-wise) from them and could not visit until now? Or did something happen to cause a rift in the family?

Observe

The protagonist, Cassandra, arrives at her ancestral home in Singapore, where she meets her Aunt Mei and experiences a culture and environment unfamiliar to her.

Notice

The novel begins with a sense of displacement—Cassandra feels like an outsider, both culturally and emotionally.

Wonder

What led Cassandra’s family to leave Singapore, and why has she now returned?

Wonder

What led Cassandra’s family to leave Singapore, and why has she now returned?

Chapter 2:

Observe

Cassandra explores more of her ancestral home, interacting further with Aunt Mei and beginning to uncover elements of her family’s history.

Notice

More references to nature (e.g., the coastline, humidity, and local wildlife) reinforce the idea of adaptation, survival, and change.

Wonder

Is Aunt Mei deliberately withholding information, or is she also struggling with her past?

Opening paragraph/Introduction: It brings readers straight to the characters' destination which was a big house with parts falling off and full of overgrown.

Notice: Lizhi's mother mixed emotions and uncertainty as well as Lizhi's own excitement and tiredness.

Wonder: I wonder if the story is going to focus on something negative or unpleasant right from the start. As a reader, I wonder how was the story going to unfold itself with such an 'unwelcoming' introduction.

Observe: I observe that Juliette was hesitant about meeting Michael's family. She kept going back and forth in Chapter 1 and 2 about how this might not be a good idea.

Notice: I notice that there were tensions between Juliette and Michael's family that even Lizhi could figure out from their conversations.

Wonder:

• Why would the promise Juliette made with her husband be so important to her that she had to fulfill a year after he died?

• How would Michael's family treat Lizhi now that he is no longer around?

• Why would Juliette leave her daughter behind when there is so much tension between the two families?

Notice: Michael's parents objected his eventual choice of career over their preferred choice which was for him to either be a doctor or a lawyer.

Wonder: I wonder if in the first place, Michael went overseas to read law or medicine or did he go overseas to study to be a painter. If he did switch to art after meeting Juliette, I wonder how lovestruck this man could have been to go against his parents' wishes.

Observe: I observed that Lizhi's parents had taught her a number of appropriate behaviour towards other people. E.g. Do not talk back to elders, when going to other people's houses for the first time, say something nice about the place.

Notice: There have been a number of moments where Lizhi behaved the opposite of what she had been taught, especially to Aunt Mona.

Wonder: I wonder how much mental gymnastics Lizhi as a young, 10-year old had to do, grappling with the 'contradiction' between what were taught by her parents and actual real-life settings.

Observe: I observe that Lizhi's father seems to be a sentimental man who sees family as important - the basis/ foundation of relationships.

Notice: Unfortunately, due to the strain in his relationship with his family, he wasn't able to go home. I believe that he misses his family very much because he shares a lot about his family with Lizhi.

Wonder: I wonder if his family has forgiven him or they are just stubborn.

Observe:

• Mother wanted Lizhi to learn how to work with others. However, Lizhi felt that she had not had issues with that.

  
  

Notice:

• Mother, being someone who encouraged father to follow his heart, seems to be looking at schooling differently for Lizhi.

• She wants Lizhi to go to school to show people that she can fit in (Chapter 1)

Wonder:

• Was she worried by what her in-laws would say if Lizhi was not in school?

• Why was schooling of such importance to mother more than father (who was from Singapore and whose family paid a lot of attention to academics)?

Notice: This suggests that father and daughter shared a strong bond and both enjoyed nature.

Wonder: I wonder how Lizhi would cope with the loss of her father. I also wondered if she shares a strong bond with her mother too.

Observe:

Linzhi seemed to find the idea of school and having friendships appealing, just like most children do, but this was perhaps exacerbated by the fact that her family moved around often and she did not have "roots". The idea of having someplace regular to go to was a marvel to her.

Notice:

Linzhi was a curious girl. She asked what Neo Tiew meant and she wanted to explore the airport. Perhaps this sense of wonder stemmed from her lack of formal schooling experience.

Wonder:

• I wonder if Linzhi's innate curiosity would diminish after she formally starts school?

• I wonder why Linzhi's father decide to teach her Mandarin?

Lizhi had a very close relationship with her father. Perhaps, she is still grieving and has not processed the loss. She finds comfort in keeping the memory of her father alive by bringing him into many conversations.

Notice:

Lizhi has very fond memories of her father and makes connections to him at many instances.

Wonder:

I wonder how, at such a young age, she is able to relive memories of her father without being shaken, especially given the fact that she is in a foreign environment and does not have him to shelter her.