Your interpretation is correct. It is confusing, because it looks like a declaration, but it is a question. If you were speaking it, there would be a rising tone on 'try'.
Use a semicolon to form a bond between two independent clauses.
"He shaved his beard yesterday; we are still getting used to it."
Consider that a comma has a small pause. A semicolon has a moderate pause. A period has a long pause or stop.
One thing: do NOT use a semicolon with 'but', 'and', 'or', 'nor' or any other conjunction:
"He shaved his beard; but he still looks good" is WRONG!