Follett is one of the world's most celebrated authors of fiction about international intrigue, and The Key to Rebecca is one of his most celebrated novels. If group members are familiar with some of his other novels, a discussion may find an effective beginning in examining The Key to Rebecca for traits that it has in common with his other works and for how well those traits are handled relative to his other fiction. Another approach would be to dive into the historical background of the novel. Does Follett sensationalize mundane aspects of life in Egypt during the war? Is he faithful to the historical record, or does he move events and historical figures around to suit the flow of his plot—a common practice in historical novels. How important is the history to the pleasures to be derived from the tale?

1. Is the Egyptian...