The Virgin's War (Tudor Legacy #3)(115)
Sacred to memory: Religion to its primitive purity restored, peace settled…the Spanish Armada vanquished; Ireland almost lost by rebels, eased by routing the Spaniard…and lastly, all England enriched. Elizabeth, a most prudent governor 45 years, a victorious and triumphant Queen, most strictly religious, most happy…She died the 24th of March, Anno 1603, of her reign the 45th year, of her age the 70th.
To the eternal memory of Elizabeth queen of England, France and Ireland, daughter of King Henry VIII, grand-daughter of King Henry VII, great-grand-daughter to King Edward IV.
Daughter, I would add, of Anne Boleyn, who took as her motto: The Most Happy. In her daughter, I think Anne would have found all the happiness she could desire.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1) In what ways does the title of this novel reflect its content? In what ways does it not?
2) The Virgin’s War is the last in the Tudor Legacy trilogy. What surprised you most? Were you satisfied by the conclusion?
3) Based on your knowledge of Tudor history, what changes would you say made the largest difference in the outcome of the changed course of events?
4) If you had to describe the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne in one word, what would that word be?
5) Throughout the book, it is clear that political relationships and personal relationships are at a dramatic impasse. Which motivation—the political or the personal—do you believe is more vital, either to yourself or to the story?
6) How do the bonds between characters inform their actions? For example, had Anabel and Kit not been in love, do you think she would have wanted the annulment from James so deeply?
7) Pippa stayed away from Matthew for fear of hurting him, and Maisie stayed away from Stephen for fear he could never love after Ailis. Do you think these women took the right courses of action in denying their feelings in favor of practicality? How would their lives have been different if they had followed their hearts?
8) Imagine your favorite character is transplanted into modern times. What would he or she be doing, in his or her career, spare time, et cetera?
9) Both Anabel and Elizabeth make serious sacrifices for what they consider to be the greater political good. What do you think were the hardest choices these royal women had to make?
10) While Anabel is clearly on the English side, she and her mother pretend that she wavers towards the Spanish—and Catholic—cause. In what ways can you relate to the princess’s loyalty to her crown, despite what the other half of her parentage may think about it later?
11) As Pippa imagined as a teenager, she and Matthew most certainly found themselves in terrible danger. What does this say about fate versus free will?
12) How does Navarro’s character change from the beginning of the book to the end? Do you ever pity him? Do you hate him? Do your feelings for him ever change?