Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Shadow of Night
Previous BRs - Authors; E - H
>
Harkness, Deborah; Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2) -Buddy Read- Start Date August 19 2013 **REVISIT** Date June 19, 2018
I just finished reading chapter 1. I'm trying not to read past chapter 3 before we actually start. Lol.
Aww... now you all are making me want to start. LOL!
Our book club selection was Cane River. Next time we are reading Wolf Hall so I think it will be better :-D.
I have my book on my Kindle and ready to go! :)
Mod
I just realized I am going out of town tonight and won't be back until the 20th to start reading this. I will definitely catch up then since this has been waiting on my shelf for this for a month now.
Mod
No probs TC - see you when you get back
Karen wrote: "Great Brooke. I wish I had downloaded it instead of getting from the library the very large brick that is the hardcover version...lolAh yes, but as everyone pointed out with The Diviners, you get some exercise :-D
Yes, I've had Wolf Hall on my list for a while but knew about the style difficulties. I had already started reading it for a group read in another group here and do find it annoying. Several of our book club members have already read and raved about it. (Our club works that we take turns hosting and picking books --- not on a nominate and vote system).
Mod
Karen wrote: "My book clubs work like that too. I like it because you are "forced" to read outside your usual genre at times :)"Yes, I like that too --- we've read classics, science fiction, literary and fluff!! Some were great and some were real stinkers --- which often get more discussion than the good ones.
Discussion Questions: Chapters 1 – 31) “We arrived in an undignified heap of witch and vampire” is the opening line of book --- nothing like starting off with a bang or should I say a fall. Did you like that we started exactly where we left off with Discovery of Witches? Do you prefer to have some sort of re-cap of the first book in the beginning chapter?
2) Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (a demon) is one of the first of several real historical figures that Diana meets. Diana is a bit “star-struck”, but also wary since she suspects that Kit is in love with Matthew, due to an inscription Kit wrote to Matthew that Diana saw. Do you think that Diana and Kit will form a friendship or be adversaries?
3) Diana quickly learns that Matthew is part of the “School of Night”, which according to Wikipedia (fount of all knowledge :-D) is a modern name given to a group of poets, philosophers and scientists who were all suspected of believing in atheism. Sir Walter Raleigh is considered the ring leader, although it is not known if these men actually knew one another. Did you look up to see if the “School of Night” was real or look up any of the historical information that has been given (example, the disappearance of the Roanoke settlers)? Given what we know of 20th century Matthew, are you surprised that he is associated with this group of men.
4) Fitting into life in 1590 is not quite as simple as Diana had thought --- her speech, her manners and even her way of walking give her away as different. What do you think the hardest thing to change would be if you travelled back in time? What things did you find humorous about this aspect of the story (example, I thought it was funny that the men assumed she was a widower because she was so old).
5) Matthew encourages Diana to start keeping a journal. Do you think that this Diana’s journal will figure into the story somehow? Do you keep a journal?
message 63:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 18, 2013 11:35PM)
(new)
-
rated it 3 stars
Mod
Answers to JoLene's questions
1. I *love* that the book starts where the last one ends. So many sequels go through ridiculous pages of "re-caps" and/or begin somewhere completely different which makes the cliff-hanger from the last book redundant.
2. Kit doesn't seem like the nicest fellow! He may end up being a reluctant friend?
3. It's quite cool how she is weaving all this in. I didn't know about this part of history so I find it really interesting
4. I think the smell would be the hardest thing! lol! The sanitation was just so different back then. The imited role of women would also be very difficult. I'm not sure I could "mould" into what is expected of women in the time
5. I wonder why he encourages this. I think it is dangerous. Actually, the way they told the "school of night" the truth is too. I found myself worried that they were changing history irrevocably (and then remembered this is fiction! haha)
1. I really liked the beginning of the second part, especially that I read it right after reading the first part, so I didn't need any special re-cap. Generally, when I read the next part in the series after a longer break or there are many characters, I like some re-cap just to feel less lost in the story :)2.I like this character as a historic figure, so I had a difficult time when I had found out he was not a very nice person in this book, still, I think that if it wasn't him, the plot wouldn't have been that good. I think that Diana and Marlow won't become friends, as love and jelousy are powerful motivations and easy to transform into hate and rivalry.
3. I was familiar with most of the historical facts used to build the background in this story, so I didn't do much checking. I also think that it was rather logical that Matthew was associated with a political and intelectual elite of the Elizabethan era.
4. I really admired Diana for her determination to adjust to the requirements of the times. I think that for me it would be difficult to learn the proper accent and vocabulary (especially that I'm not a native speaker of modern English) and also the role of women. I was under huge impression learning that Diana was able to stick to her interest and scholar activities.
5. I think that the journal will be important either in this part or in the final part of the story.
I used to keep a journal, but nowadays I don't have enough time to do it on regular basis, although I write from time to time.
1. I love the beginning of the book. I tend to get irritated with lengthy re-caps in book sequels. I think I already know this don't tell me again! Lol2. I can't see them forming a friendship, although it would be interesting if they did. It seems like jealously would prevent them being too close.
3. I haven't looked up any historical information. Not yet anyway. When I read books that have real historical figures or mention real things that happen I tend to keep little notes of the things that interest me and I will read up on them after I finish the book. I'm not surprised Matthew is part of this group based on what we've learned of him.
4. I think Diana is handling the changed really well. Much better than I would. For me the hardest thing would be to keep whatever information I knew about the future of the people I meet to myself. If I got start struck enough I might just blurt it out. I would also have trouble with the role of women in this era. I also found it amusing that they thought she was old. Lol.
5. Yes I think it could be an important aspect of the story. No I've never kept a journal. I've tried several times but I never keep up with it.
message 66:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 19, 2013 03:40PM)
(new)
-
rated it 3 stars
Mod
Notes to keep you in the know:
Thomas Hariot was an astronomer who lived in the time period in which Matthew and Diana supposedly traveled back to. According to the article I found, entitled 'Thomas Harriot: A lost pioneer' written by Anna Faherty, he did indeed create a telescope before Galileo. According to Faherty he "might have become a household name, had he bothered to publish his results." Here is a link to read the whole article: http://plus.maths.org/content/os/issu...
The alchemical wedding referred to in the All Souls trilogy is indeed a hypothesis alchemists theorized about. It was a process usually associated with the marriage of gold and silver. According to the article I found online, "This goal of alchemy is to make this golden moment permanent in a state of consciousness called the Philosopher's Stone, and it all starts with the marriage of the opposites within." To read more about the alchemical transformation and it's seven stages check out this link: http://www.deeptrancenow.com/exc3_7op...
The School of Night, a group labeled free-thinkers, actually did exist. It included some of the very people this book mentions such as Thomas Harriot and Christopher Marlowe. It met in secret to discuss things considered forbidden at the time.To read more about the School of Night check out this link: http://www.marlowe-society.org/marlow...
There was a Matthew Roydon living in 1590 who was a member of the School of Night, although little is known about him. Here is a link which goes more in depth as to who the man was: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Roydon,...
Discussion Questions: Chapters 1 – 31) I usually like a brief recap because I generally wait a long time between series books and my memory of plot details tends to get lost once I've finished a book. I like that we start right where we left off, and I think we actually do get some good recap details sprinkled carefully through the first chapters. Well done.
2) I doubt Diana can win over Kit given his love for Matthew. There seems to be too much animosity there. I definitely would have been star struck too! It would have been so hard to stay calm.
3) I didn't look up the info on School of Night, but I love that you all posted such great links and tidbits about the history! I did notice an interesting quote on page 28, though. Marlowe says "...but there is more to this world than what's described in your philosophy books." That struck me as way too similar to the famous Hamlet quote ("There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.") to be a coincidence. Given the rumors that Marlowe may have secretly written Shakespeare's plays, do you think Deborah is having a little fun with us?
4) I agree with you all that it would be hard to defer to men all the time and lose my independence as a modern woman. I think it's funny how even just the way she walks is a source of frustration and amusement. I think the language would be hardest for me - avoiding slang and finding appropriate vocabulary.
5) They're spending a lot of time discussing this journal, so I think it will factor in to the story later. It better, because reading her entries are boring! :)
Logan- I had wondered if Harkness was alluding to that rumor when she had Kit say that line.
1) In theory, I like when the story just jumps right in where the previous book left off. However, it's been a while since I read the first book, so I would have liked a brief recap this time around. 2) I think Kit and Diana are going to be adversaries for most of the story, though they may come to a mutual agreement at some point and be able to tolerate each other.
3) I did look up about the School of Night! I love the historical aspects in these books. I don't feel at all surprised that he is involved with this group of men.
4) I think it would be insanely difficult to change your mannerisms. Things you don't always think about, such as how you walk, how you hold yourself, the cadence of your voice, etc. It would be entirely too difficult for me! I found some of the parts humorous, especially the widow part as you pointed out.
5) I think the journal will definitely play a part in the story...since they keep making reference to it and acting like it isn't a big deal, or wouldn't mean anything to anyone if it was discovered. I don't keep a journal anymore, but I really would like to start again!
@KarenThanks for posting more info about the historical figures and School of Night.
1. Agree that it was a great beginning
2. I also think that in the end, Kit will come around to at least respecting Diana. Either that, or he will betray her in a big way.
4. I think smell out be the hardest to tolerate and am surprised that it hasn't been mentioned.
5. Getting really caught up in the story during the 1st three chapters :-D
@ Anima1) I agree --- I liked the beginning because I just finished the first book recently. If it had been longer a recap is sometimes useful.
2) I don't know much about Marlowe except based on movies and I don't think he was the nicest in the movies either.
3) Matthew is very much an intellectual, but when I read that they were all atheist, I was wondering because early in his life I thought Matthew was somewhat religious.
@Leslie1) Agree -- unless of course it's been a while since I read the first book :-D
2) Agree
3) That's a great tip --- sometimes it's better to read up after the book.
4) Agree
@Logan,1) I totally agree -- I think she has done a great job sprinkling details throughout the beginning. Having Diana and Matthew explain their predicament vs just telling us a "brain-dump" is preferable.
2) I would be OK meeting Marlowe, but I would be star struck by Sir Walter Raleigh -- especially if he looked like Clive Owen (from the Elizabeth movie :-D)
3) Very interesting -- I hadn't connected the two (not up on Hamlet except "to be or not to be".
5) Agree that they are not the most exciting -- it is interesting in the audio they actually pronounce the day which is a symbol in the book. Isn't handy that Diana is a historian so she already knows something about the period.
@ Brooke1) I could see where it would be annoying if it's been awhile since you read the first book.
2) Agree
4) Yes, the subconscious things would be the most difficult. I think speech might be the easiest because you start to mimic people around you.
5) Like most of you, I don't keep journals --- although I usually try to do something while travelling.
I'm here! I'm just behind due to a migraine today. I've only read chapter 1. Pretty neat, so far. I just re-read the book, so I liked that the DH jumped right in where they left off.
@JoLeneI wish I had the audio then, because I had no idea you could use astrological signs to indicate days of the week and I have no idea what day she's on! :)
Mod
I stopped listening to the 'conspiracy' theories about Shakespeare not being Shakespeare. I highly recommend the book :)
@JoLene - that is so interesting about the audio. Love it when you get something else out of a book in a different media
Yes --- I have the audio and a library book so it's been interesting to compare the two. The narrator of the audio does a great job with all the different snippets of different languages thrown in.@Logan -- I don't think the days were important, but I remember that one day was Saturnalia which must be Saturday.
@LK -- hope you feel better soon!
Chapters 4 – 76) Between the members of the School of Night arguing over how to help Diana to Matthew needing to “buy a beard” and the James Bond reference, I am finding this book much funnier than the first one, are you?
7) Matthew decides to bring a local healer and reputed witch, the Widow Beaton, in to teach Diana about witchcraft, but the meeting doesn’t go well. What do you think about Diana’s new “powers”? Do you think something happened to her while time walking?
8) The arrival of Gallowglass brings several surprises. I think that Diana was much more forgiving than I would be to many of these revelations? Do you think that Diana’s feelings for Matthew will change as she learns more about his 16th century persona?
9) What did you think about the revelation that Matthew was also a spy for Queen Elizabeth? Do you think he is acting as a double agent since he is French and catholic. Which was more shocking – that he is a member of the congregation or a spy?
10) Philippe thinks Matthew is dead because the 16th century Matthew disappeared (in front of people’s eyes) when the 21st century Matthew appeared. Do you think Matthew made the right decision to take Diana with him? Do we think that we’ve seen the last of Kit after Matthew “kicks” him out?
11) The final chapter is back in the present in Seville – did you find that jarring? Overall what are you impressions of the first section?
Mod
Answers to JoLene's questions
6. It does seem to have a lot more humour. I think because Matthew is just as "out of place" in many ways, despite this being his old life.
7. This part annoyed me as once again Matthew ignored Diana's misgivings. She was right to think it was too early to approach Widow Beaton. Certainly something is happening to her powers, but I wonder if it is all just a part of her needing to be "released" from the binding. I imagine her powers will keep seeping out in different ways. Scary that she is making things die though! It is like she is sucking out their life force
8. I don't think Diana's feelings will change as he has lived a VERY long life and clearly not everything will be good. I don't like how much Matthew keeps secret. I guess I struggle with the power relationship between these two - it does not make for a healthy marriage!
9. For me, that he is a member of the congregation. I wonder if he still is in the modern day too?... I love that he is a spy. I hope we get into that more :)
10. I find it interesting that time travel in this book means you "replace" the old version of yourself. It makes things much more complicated! So I understand why Phillipe wants to see him. I think Diana has to go with him. She needs his protection - who else can they really trust? I think Kit will come back somehow and it will be bad (*queue villanous music*)
11. I was a bit shocked and would've liked the chapter to have at the top the year! I hope we don't flick back and forth without it being more obvious as it takes a bit to realise where we are which takes away from the story. I did like that we get a glimpse of the diary and a promise of something more in future....
6. I am finding it to be much more funny. I have to say that so far I am enjoying this book more than the first one. 7. I don't know what to think of the change in her powers. I wonder if it's more her discovering new powers and the already discovered ones are taking a back seat. I agree with you Karen. It really irritated me that Matthew didn't listen to Diana.
8. I don't know if Diana was too forgiving. She knows how long Matthew has been alive and he's bound to have several things about himself that she doesn't know. I can't decide how I feel about Matthew keeping the secrets. On one hand, he shouldn't keep any big secrets like that from his wife. It is important that Diana understand the situations that she has fallen into. On the other hand I think that Matthew wants to share with Diana but he's been keeping secrets for so long that it might be hard for him. He just needs to get past his instinct to keep things hidden and learn to share.
9. Yes I think he is a double agent. I was much more surprised to find out he was a member of the congregation.
10. I do think he made the right decision. Like Karen said, who else can they trust? I do not think we've seen the last of Kit. I have a feeling he'll pop up again.
11. It took me a minute to realize there was a time jump! It would have been nice if the year was listed at the top of the page.
I love how Harkness is throwing in all the subtle references to other historical events. Did anyone else notice that the name of the priest who came to accuse Diana of witchcraft (Danforth) has the same last name as one of the judges during the Salem Witch Trials?
Mod
Good catch Leslie -- I didn't notice either.In February, I went to visit a friend who moved to east coast and we went to Salem. It was just crazy how it was the perfect storm of events which lead to the frenzy. They had a great museum exhibit that talked about other similar times in history where a specific set of people are vilified (the only one that I'm remembering now had to do with 9/11).
I am also liking this book better, but I'm a big fan of historical fiction. I am also finding the interactions between the "intellectuals" to be really funny.
Mod
I love historical fiction too, but this is such a different kind isn't it? Quite clever really!! :D
I am starting late since I was out of town until today and didn't have the book with me, but I will be caught up by the end of tomorrow.Ch 1-3
1) Sometimes I like to have a recap so I remember what happened before, but in this case I really liked that it started exactly where it left off in the first book.
2) I would be "star-struck" too, if I got to meet all those people I had been researching for years in person. I don't think Diana and Kit will ever really become friends, but I think they will come to an agreement to protect Matthew at all costs.
3) I hadn't looked it up yet since I am catching up on the book, but I planned to later. I think she deals well with historical facts and making them realistic to the book if not entirely accurate according to history. Sometimes I have to remind myself that although the people were real historical figures, they did not really do everything in the book.
4) The hardest thing for me would be the food. I have to be very careful about what I eat and therefore I am not a very adventurous eater. I also thought it was funny that they thought she was a widower at her old age.
5) I have tried several times to start a journal, but never get very far with it. I think her journal is going to be a very important part of the story.
@Turtlecollector --Welcome -- I'm sure you will catch up in no time because it is a pretty compelling read.
3) I also don't mind that the historical figures are integrated into the story --- even if it's not true to the facts. I think when main characters are witches and vampires, you expect it to be fiction. But having real historical figures grounds the story a bit.
4) You're right, food would be a problem for me too.
@ Karen7. It now seems like she has different powers since they mentioned that she doesn't have the witch-water (stupidest power ever) or witch-wind, but maybe these were also buried. Good thing Matthew isn't alive so she can't kill him --- but maybe Kit better watch out :-D
8. Matthew has been on his own as a leader for a lot of years, and Diana was a loner so their relationship is a bit askew, but for some reason it doesn't bother me much.
11. I agree --- in audio, all of a sudden they were talking about present day and I thought I had accidentally skipped ahead.
@Leslie:
9. I agree, I was more surprised about the congregation. Matthew could have easily told Diana before time-walking (like the new term). Since Christopher Marlowe was a reputed spy -- it's not a stretch for Matthew as well. I hope he's a double agent as well.
Mod
Chapters 8-10Lots of stuff to talk about :-D
12) The return to Le Sept Tour is quite different than the Diana’s first trip there to meet Ysabeau. Diana is also finally beginning to understand the stature of the de Clermont family. Was Philippe what you expected?
13) The father-son dynamic apparently crosses over to vampire families as well :-D What do you think of Matthew’s complex relationship with his father? Is it a believable relationship?
14) Philippe clearly doesn’t approve of Matthew’s relationship with Diana, but he was willing to listen to her story (which cleverly provided a great recap of the first book). Do you think it was fair of Philippe to scold Matthew for bringing their troubles to the past? Do you think he will eventually accept Diana as Ysabeau did?
15) Philippe directly confronts Matthew about not
consummating their marriage. Since this came up in our discussions, do you think that Harkness was using Philippe to voice the frustrations of readers from the first book. What did you think of this situation? Do you feel that they are married? What did you think about Matthew’s explanation regarding primal possessiveness?
16) Diana decides to make herself at home in Le Sept
Tour by doing research and also trying to learn to run the household. This seems like a daunting task to me --- is this something that you can imagine doing? What would be the hardest part?
17) Matthew reveals a lot about his human life to Diana in the church. Why do you think that Ysabeau gave such a different account of his relationship with his first wife than Matthew?
18) The final big reveal is that Matthew was the one that actually killed Philippe after the Nazi’s had tortured him. Did you suspect this? Does this action fit into Matthew’s character?
6) I definitely liked the second part better, and found it funnier7) I think that Diana's new powers are partly due to the timetravel, but also due to the period she is in now. There are more witches in the area, they vary in powers and seem to be less in hiding (the witches' persecutions are still new in this part of the world). Thus 'the air is more charge with power' so to speak, and allows unique abilities to show off.
8)I believe their relatioship develops in this part of the series.
9) I think that as Matthew nature dictates, he is always in the core of events, needing the control of the situation, thus I'm not very surprised that he is close to all powers important both in the humans and creatures' worlds.
10) Taking Diana was crucial to the story in my opinion. She could understand a lot more about Matthew due to this visit. And I think Kit hasn't said the last word yet.
11) I really appreciated this shift in the narration as we could see some of the aftereffects of Diana and Matthew's visit in the past. It brought a lot to the story.
message 91:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Aug 20, 2013 11:45PM)
(new)
-
rated it 3 stars
Mod
Responses to JoLene's questions
12. I loved going back to Sept-tour and the small changes described since we were "last" there. Philippe was much gruffer than I expected, but I had to keep reminding myself this is 16th century and his behaviour is not abnormal for the time
13. I think it is believable. Particularly with how long they have lived ; that's alot of time to accumulate baggage... lol
14. I agree it was a very clever re-cap! I think it was fair of Philippe, because clearly they haven't escaped trouble through time walking. I had the feeling he would reluctantly accept her
15. This was so funny! But then again I thought back to the time and this was when the royals had audiences to prove their consumation, so I guess it was a fair question/observation for him to make. I liked the first book (bundling was it?) as it was hillarious, but then I'm not the biggest romantic, so I guess it may have annoyed some people! I do think they are married - despite only knowing eachother for two weeks haha
16. This is daunting, but I think it was driven by the historian in her. I thought her time would be better spent trying to work on her powers and those lights she sees in the corner of rooms
17. Ysabeau would've only seen the "public face" of their relationship. There is always more to things than meets the eye when it comes to human relationships. I really liked this scene ; it was a first glimpse of a vunerable Matthew finally opening himself to Diana
18. I did not suspect this, although I understand why he did. A vampire version of euthenasia I guess. What a terrible burden for him to carry, and shows his strength of character that he took on that burden rather than Ysabeau
Thanks for taking on these days DQs JoLene!
I am really enjoying this book (much more than the first I think) and so much of that is because I also get more out of discussing it with all of you!
12) Partly he was what I had expected, but I had imagined him as more severe, while under this mask he really loved and cared about his family, sometimes more than his power (which is not always the story with vampires LOL).13) Well, it is definitely more believable than anything simplier in my opinion. Any 'one-dimensional' relation would be definitely less believable. On the other hand what is a believable relation between vampires? LOL
14I believe he will accept Diana finally.
15) The situation annoyed me. I couldn't figure out what Matthew's intention toward Diana really were. Was he only protective, or perhaps he didn't want a full commitment. I hope we can find more behind this later in the book.
16) I admired Diana's determination to learn and prove herself in almost every new situation in the past. I believe that I could try to learn how to run such household, but I think the most difficult part would to earn trust and respect of the servants.
17)I think that Ysabeau says this frase that 'it is Matthew's story to tell'. I believe she wanted Matthew to reveal this story to Diana in his own way.
18)I had some suspicions, but still it was a revelation to me. I think that it allows us to understand Matthew better and what's more it gives his feeling of guilt and this need to protect and control a new dimension.
12. Yes. Based on what they've said about him before he was pretty much exactly like I expected. 13. Yes it is believable. I really like what Harkness has done with the vampire lore in this series. I like that instead of having just a close vampire/maker bond she created other familial bonds.
14. I liked the subtle recap too! I do think it was fair. Obviously, despite what Matthew thought, he didn't think this plan through very well. He didn't think of the consequences of him and Diana going to the past. I do think Philippe will eventually accept though I think it will be a grudging acceptance.
15. I do feel they are married. Sex doesn't necessarily make a marriage. Lol. It seems to me that Matthew gets in his own way sometimes. I can only assume what his motives are but it seems to me that he is constantly trying to do things and make decisions based on what he feels is best for those he loves. He just isn't always right.
16. That would be too hard for me in general to pick a hardest part. I'm not a domestic person at all so I really admire Diana's determination to run the household. It would probably serve her better to work on her magic but until they find a witch to help her this will give her something productive to do.
17. I think Ysabeau wanted Matthew to tell Diana himself. I think she that she knew it was important to their relationship that Matthew tell his story to Diana since it would open him up to her in a way that make their relationship just that much stronger and more intimate IMO.
18. I had a suspicion but I was still a little surprised. It so fits Matthew's character. He was willing to except and carry that guilt with him so that Ysabeau wouldn't have to. It was a very sweet and noble thing for him to do.
@Karen I'm enjoying this book much more too and I think it does make it more enjoyable to be discussing it with all of you guys.
JoLene’s Discussion Questions Answered by Lisa Kay: Chapters 1 – 3
1) “We arrived in an undignified heap of witch and vampire” is the opening line of book --- nothing like starting off with a bang or should I say a fall. Did you like that we started exactly where we left off with Discovery of Witches? Do you prefer to have some sort of re-cap of the first book in the beginning chapter?
Did bother me; I actually liked it. But, then, I just finished reading the book. (Listened to it last time.) However, I usually prefer a recap, if not too lengthy.
2) Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (a demon) is one of the first of several real historical figures that Diana meets. Diana is a bit “star-struck”, but also wary since she suspects that Kit is in love with Matthew, due to an inscription Kit wrote to Matthew that Diana saw. Do you think that Diana and Kit will form a friendship or be adversaries?
Oh, good question. I was wondering this myself. I haven’t a clue. At first I thought they would become adversaries, but I’m slowly changing my mind, though I’m not sure why, exactly.
3) Diana quickly learns that Matthew is part of the “School of Night”, which according to Wikipedia (fount of all knowledge :-D) is a modern name given to a group of poets, philosophers and scientists who were all suspected of believing in atheism. Sir Walter Raleigh is considered the ring leader, although it is not known if these men actually knew one another. Did you look up to see if the “School of Night” was real or look up any of the historical information that has been given (example, the disappearance of the Roanoke settlers)? Given what we know of 20th century Matthew, are you surprised that he is associated with this group of men.
I so far behind you ladies that I didn’t even think to look up The School of Night. However, I have read the debates over Shakespeare’s works. I did look up Sir Walter Raleigh, though, to refresh my memory. I lifted my eyebrows over Matthew being part of the group, but just kept listening.
4) Fitting into life in 1590 is not quite as simple as Diana had thought --- her speech, her manners and even her way of walking give her away as different. What do you think the hardest thing to change would be if you travelled back in time? What things did you find humorous about this aspect of the story (example, I thought it was funny that the men assumed she was a widower because she was so old).
I think changing my speech and manner would be the hardest. Though I can be a bit of a mimic, this seems herculean, especially understanding others’ speech. I could probably keep quiet about woman’s rights at first, but I would probably flip over something soon enough. I know I would desperately miss toilet paper.
5) Matthew encourages Diana to start keeping a journal. Do you think that this Diana’s journal will figure into the story somehow? Do you keep a journal?
I do think Diana’s journal is going to be key. Either she will solve something, or it will be used against her. I’ve kept one off and on throughout my life. I consider tracking my books and challenges a type of journal.
#4 – Oh, Karen! Just read your comment about the smells. Definitely! Ick. My nose is very sensitive. They covered things up with a lot of perfume, and I’m allergic to most, especially ‘flowery’ ones.
#2 - Yes, Turtlecollector, I would be 'star-struck' right along side you.
JoLene’s Questions & Lisa Kay’s Answers for Chapters 4 – 7
6) Between the members of the School of Night arguing over how to help Diana to Matthew needing to “buy a beard” and the James Bond reference, I am finding this book much funnier than the first one, are you?
Oh, yes, definitely. And the way people just burst in seems intrusive, but kind of funny, too.
7) Matthew decides to bring a local healer and reputed witch, the Widow Beaton, in to teach Diana about witchcraft, but the meeting doesn’t go well. What do you think about Diana’s new “powers”? Do you think something happened to her while time walking?
Matthew’s chauvinistic proclivities seem to be rearing their ugly heads. Makes me wonder if it is peer pressure at work. I didn’t think of it, but I like Anima’s theory about more witches in the area.
8) The arrival of Gallowglass brings several surprises. I think that Diana was much more forgiving than I would be to many of these revelations? Do you think that Diana’s feelings for Matthew will change as she learns more about his 16th century persona?
That’s what I was wondering! Those are some pretty big obstacles to overcome.
9) What did you think about the revelation that Matthew was also a spy for Queen Elizabeth? Do you think he is acting as a double agent since he is French and catholic? Which was more shocking – that he is a member of the congregation or a spy?
For me, the congregation. I was stunned he wouldn’t tell Diana who sits on the Congregation now. I don’t know why, but I think I knew he was a spy. Someone must have told me.
10) Philippe thinks Matthew is dead because the 16th century Matthew disappeared (in front of people’s eyes) when the 21st century Matthew appeared. Do you think Matthew made the right decision to take Diana with him? Do we think that we’ve seen the last of Kit after Matthew “kicks” him out?
I was wondering if the is was the author’s way to get around the two Matthews issues. Or if this is a set-up for something to come. I’m glad Matthew brought her with him; I want these two together. Nope; we haven’t seen the end of Kit.
11) The final chapter is back in the present in Seville – did you find that jarring? Overall what are you impressions of the first section?
A little jarring. Or maybe more of a feeling of just trying to find my footing.
#10 - I did think of that poor maid at the inn, believing Matthew had been "taken by ghosts." LOL! No wonder there are so many spooky stories on All Hallows’ Eve. Who knew it was a perfect time to timetravel. ☺
Playing catch-up...Chapters 4 – 7
6) Yes! So far this one is so much funnier and entertaining than the last one. It has such a different feel to it. It's not afraid to play the emotional high points, where I felt the last one tried too hard to be overly somber and dramatic all the time.
7) The change in her powers is really interesting to me, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. Is she seeing fissures in the fabric of time because she doesn't belong there? Is this like witch jetlag? :)
8) Talk about being tested in love! I think it was pretty shady and irresponsible of Matthew to take them back to a time that is so complicated and dangerous. I mean, good for the book, but bad for them! It would be hard for me to swallow all of those secrets coming out at once. It's one thing to keep a secret because no one needs to know everything about their partner, but these had real bearing on their situation and now Diana's stuck trying to deal with the aftermath.
9) I think the Congregation secret was more shocking than the spy thing, if only because we don't yet know what the consequences of that behavior are. It's not really affecting Diana's story yet, so I just kind of shrugged it off.
10) Kit the troublemaker will surely be back. He's the most memorable of this supporting cast, so I sure hope so anyway. Is anyone else having trouble keeping them all straight? I find myself going, "Wait, which one is Henry? And who is Tim?" I'm glad Diana went with Matthew, but only because I don't want them to be apart. :)
11) I did think the jump back to present time was jarring. It's interesting that the diary survived, but did we need to know that right then? It felt like an epilogue to me, which I'm sure is why it was at the end of the section. Maybe they do something similar at the end of each part. I liked this opening a lot, and though I'm sad to leave Elizabethan England behind, I'm really excited to see what happens in France.
#8 - Yes, Logan, I think Matthew set Diana up a bit. I mean all those men won't 'shut-up,' much to Matthew's dismay. He should have known that some of his secrets would slip and she might be caught unawares.#11 - I'm hoping we go back to Elizabethan England. **sigh**
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Book of Life (other topics)Shakespeare: The World as Stage (other topics)
Wolf Hall (other topics)
The Diviners (other topics)
Cane River (other topics)
More...
What was the book club book?
I went to the library and got it so I am ready! :D