Read The Queen's Exiles Online
Authors: Barbara Kyle
The Queen's Exiles (37 page)
The team I work with at Kensington Publishing is truly a dream team. Foremost among these dedicated experts is my editor, Esi Sogah.
The Queen’s Exiles
is my sixth book with Kensington and my first with Esi. Her keen talent and solid professionalism are deeply appreciated. I could not ask for a more enthusiastic advocate or a happier working relationship.
Production Editor Paula Reedy guides my books through the production process with skill and grace. Copy Editor Sandra Ogle brought her eagle eye to the manuscript. Kensington’s fine Sales and Marketing teams are a collective powerhouse, and Alexandra Nicolajsen brings her special flair to digital marketing. The savvy and indefatigable Vida Engstrand expertly manages my books’ publicity. I sincerely appreciate the work of all these dedicated professionals. In addition, I’ll be forever grateful to Audrey LaFehr, who first championed my books, and I wish her joy in her new home in a new state. To Martin Biro, kudos and thanks.
A huge thank-you to John Rosenberg, whose tremendous book-business expertise has made my books such a success in Canada, and to the lovely, ever helpful Jeannine Rosenberg.
In Al Zuckerman of Writers House I’m blessed with a literary agent whose achievements are celebrated. To me, Al is a valued friend and long-time mentor. I’m also indebted to Al’s assistant, the hardworking and unflappable Mickey Novak, and to Writers House’s able foreign rights specialists Maja Nikolic and Caitlin Ellis.
A happy nod to my fellow authors in the Historical Novel Society, who are a fount of support and knowledge and fun.
My husband, Stephen Best, is my creative partner in art and in life. My gratitude to him knows no bounds.
THE QUEEN’S EXILES
Barbara Kyle
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The suggested questions are included to
enhance your group’s reading of Barbara Kyle’s
The Queen’s Exiles.
- Fenella’s troubles all spring from her moment of fury when she rashly shoots the Spanish don who years ago massacred the people of her village. Did you think she was justified in killing him? Can murder ever be right?
- Adam sails to Spanish-occupied Antwerp to hunt down his wife, Frances, and take back his young son and daughter. But there’s a price on his head in Antwerp. Did you feel Adam was right to risk everything, even his life, to get his children away from Frances? What other options might he have explored?
- Carlos and Isabel argue heatedly about staying in Antwerp. He says he must remain loyal to the governor to secure a needed reward for his family. She says they must get out before Alba’s regime leads to bloodshed that endangers them and their children. How did you respond to their fiercely opposing views?
- Frances is so frightened of Adam coming for her she hires a gunman to kill him. Were you disgusted by her act, or do you think she had to do it to save herself and the children?
- Fenella makes a hard decision to give up future happiness with Adam in order to stay with her husband and help his work with the rebels. How did you feel about Fenella’s personal sacrifice?
- Fenella, held captive by the Duke of Alba, won’t betray Adam by telling Alba where Adam is, though she knows her silence may cost her her life. Do you think you could muster that kind of courage to protect someone you love?
- Carlos risks everything by rescuing Fenella and Claes from hanging by the Duke of Alba. Do you think this makes up for Carlos’s previous allegiance to the brutal duke?
- Adam casts his lot with the rebel Sea Beggars despite the edict of his own queen, Elizabeth, expelling them from England. Was Adam foolish or justified in joining the rebels’ desperate fight?
- The Queen’s Exiles
explores three marriages in crisis: of Adam and Frances, Fenella and Claes, and Carlos and Isabel. All three couples face life-and-death challenges. Which person in each marriage do you sympathize with most? Do you agree with the choices they make?
Copyright © 2011 Stephen Best
B
ARBARA
K
YLE
, a classically trained actor, enjoyed a successful career in Canadian television and theater before turning her hand to writing fiction. She and her husband live in Ontario, where she teaches popular writing workshops and gives lectures on Tudor history, most recently for the University of Toronto Lecture Series and the world-renowned Stratford Festival. She welcomes visitors at her Web site:
www.barbarakyle.com
.
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