2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Did you have any idea that Ji was a girl? That she wasn’t Nicholas’ child?

I thought she might be a girl and I really thought she was Nicholas' daughter!!

I had no clue. Never crossed my mind until it was revealed. Like you, Jo Ann, I was certain she was his child.

I went back and forth on the gender until it was confirmed. I thought she was his child.

I guessed that she was a girl. There were a few hints about her being such a pretty, delicate boy. It never occurred to me she was not his child though. Why do you think the author did this?

Phrynne wrote: "I guessed that she was a girl. There were a few hints about her being such a pretty, delicate boy. It never occurred to me she was not his child though. Why do you think the author did this?"

I think maybe to give the idea of second chances. Katherine lost a baby girl and Nicholas lost two. I know one child can never replace another, but maybe it would help alleviate the guilt and grief of their loss. Also, Ji had been a boy, there would have been a lot of controversy about the heir of Seaforth. And I would think he would have to have a male guardian, which would make it very hard for Katherine.

I think the author used Ji to illustrate Nicholas’ transformation. And, Ji was probably the reason he decided to make peace with his past and adopted Buddhism. It was never about her being his biological child, at least not for him. She was his salvation.