The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany(113)
12. In the end, Emilia’s single life is rich and full. Even so, she decides to take a chance on romance. Was her openness to love a necessary part of her character arc? How important is romantic love in a woman’s life? If you were to write an epilogue, would the future Emilia be single or in a relationship? Why?
13. Even after telling Emilia and Lucy the truth about Johanna, Poppy wanted to wait until after her sister’s death before telling the rest of the family. Why was this important to Poppy? Do you agree with her decision to protect her sister?
14. Poppy and Rico’s love withstood decades of separation. Do you think this kind of love is possible? They recited their vows on the church’s altar without papers to prove it. Do you believe they were married in the eyes of God? Was Rico right to leave without Poppy, and return to help his family in East Germany? Why or why not? Do you think he would have taken Poppy to Germany had they had a legal marriage certificate?
15. Though she tried, Emilia could not reciprocate her friend Matteo’s romantic feelings. But when Poppy tells her love comes in many forms and that not all love is romantic love, she rethinks her relationship with Matt. Do you think feelings of deep friendship and respect are enough to sustain a happy marriage? Love plays many roles, according to Poppy. What are love’s most important roles to you? Do you suspect the importance of these roles changes over time?
16. When Poppy sees Rico’s gunshot wound and learns that he tried twice to escape East Germany, she says, “I should have waited.” Of course, waiting for him in Italy would have been futile; he was never able to successfully escape. Why does Poppy say this? What is she feeling in that moment? The Berlin Wall came down in 1989, yet Rico and Poppy remained separated. Why didn’t Rico try to find Poppy then? Why didn’t she reach out to him?
17. Star-crossed is defined as “of a person or plan, thwarted by bad luck.” In what ways are Rosa and Poppy star-crossed? Could either sister have changed her fate had she tried harder? Poppy collects and distributes lucky coins. What significance does this have in the story? Does Poppy believe in luck? Would Poppy consider herself a lucky or unlucky person? Would you agree?