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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Secrets of the Tudor Court

1. Discuss how Mary’s character changes throughout the novel.

2. Who were Marys’ biggest influences?

3. How did Mary’s regard for the king change throughout the novel?

4. Discuss Mary’s fascination with Norfosl kh’ ands.

5. How do you think Norfolk regards Mary? What were the major contributors to his persona?

6. What were, in your opinion, the three biggest turning points in the novel?

7. Analyze The Kiss.

8. Compare and contrast Mary’s relationships with Harry, Cedric, and Master Foxe. Of these three, who would you consider “the love of her life”?

9. Did your opinion of Mary’s mother change throughout the novel? If so, how?

10. Why do you think the novel was told in the first person, present tense? Is this a writing style you like?

11. Why does Mary refer to her father as “Norfolk” throughout the novel? How does this affect her view of him?

12. Three themes are present in the novel: self-preservation, the rainbow, and the circlet. What is the relevance of these three themes to the story? Why do you think I chose to expound on them?

Secrets of the Tudor Court
by D. L. Bogdan

  • Publication Date: May 1, 2010
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Kensington
  • ISBN-10: 0758241992
  • ISBN-13: 9780758241993