The very first sentence of this novel mentions the plague. Discuss how the plague may have altered or influenced the social structure in Jane Boleyn's time.

Philippa Gregory mentions "Master Holbein," as the artist who painted the likeness of Anne of Cleves for King Henry's inspection. What is known about Holbein and his work during the 1500s.

Jane Boleyn's character is shown with more complexity than in Gregory's earlier novels. Is Jane Boleyn mentally stable? What are her motivations and why is she a prominent character in this story?

Katherine Howard is pretty, a good actress and a gifted flirt. Is she happy? Is she promiscuous? Do we ever really get to know who she is?

Howard, the duke of Norfolk, seems to be the puppeteer behind much of what goes on in Henry's court. Why and how does he have such power? Is...