Introduction
There she was; sixteen years old, with no advantages whatsoever; the Cinderella of the Queen's ladies, and, it seemed, about to turn the fairytale into real life."
In Tudor England, advisers to Henry VIII put a stop to the youthful love affair of Anne Boleyn and nobleman Harry Percy at the King's request. The lady-in-waiting has caught the monarch's eye, and when Anne realizes his intent, her entire world shifts. She leads the King on a merry chase for more than a decade, holding on to her chastity and keeping his attention fixed. And when the already-wed King promises Anne the ultimate reward -- the Queen's crown -- it shakes the very foundation of the country and seals her fate.
Set amid the splendor and intrigue of the sixteenth-century English court, The Concubine is a fascinating portrayal of the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn -- and the personal, political, and religious forces of the time that helped shape her tragic destiny.
Discussion Questions
1. "People began to say that there must be more in the thin, sallow, sloe-eyed little girl than appeared on the surface. What was it? Nobody could say. It was a mystery." Why are there such confl icting opinions about Anne Boleyn's beauty and charm? What is it that fi rst attracts King Henry VIII to Anne? And what subsequently keeps his infatuation going strong for so many years?
2. How does Anne initially view Henry, and what are her feelings toward him both as a man and as the King? In what ways does she change throughout their courtship and marriage?
3. Henry sought to annul his marriage to Catherine because, he claimed, "I've lived in sin, with my brother's wife, these fourteen years." Is the King's conscience truly a motivating factor in his decision to dissolve the marriage, or are there other reasons why he wishes to do it?
4. For years Anne refused to become Henry's mistress. Why then does she consummate their relationship before they are married? How is this event a turning point in Henry's infatuation with Anne?
5. How do political and religious factors come into play in determining the outcome for Anne? In what ways is she used as a pawn by others, from the King and her family to the Vatican and even her maid, Emma Arnett?
6. Anne's sister, Mary, advises her not to become involved with Henry, telling her, "He's dangerous....Half of him is just a simple, lighthearted boy, greedy and selfi sh as boys are, but there's another side, dark and ugly, like the Devil." Why does Anne not heed Mary's warning?
7. After Anne suffers a miscarriage, she is reluctant to tell the King and devises a way to secretly become pregnant by another man. Are Anne's actions at all justifiable? Why or why not?
8. Discuss the accusations against Anne and the means by which the King and his advisers "prove" the charges. Why does no one at her trial, not even Harry Percy, speak out in her defense? Furthermore, why do the noblemen who comprise the jury never question the fact that the evidence against Anne is highly dubious?
9. How much was Anne an architect of her own fate? What could she have done -- or done differently -- that might have changed things for her?
10. Even on her deathbed Catherine "looked upon [Henry] as a fellow victim," believing that "he was easily led, he had been badly advised, he had fallen prey to an evil woman." Why does Catherine continually refuse to hold Henry accountable for the actions he took against her and instead assign all the blame on Anne?
11. After the verdict against Anne is rendered, Margaret Lee implores her to write to Henry and "beg for mercy." Why does Anne refuse to do this? Given what you know of Henry, do you believe he would have relented? Why or why not?
12. Chapter XLV begins with excerpts from two letters, one in which the Spanish Ambassador writes: "No person ever showed greater willingness to die"; and one by Sir William Kingston stating: "This lady had much joy and pleasure in death." What truth is there in their observations? Why does Anne herself admit, "But for the actual doing, I shall be almost glad to die"? What is Anne's state of mind in the days and hours leading to her execution?
13. Before she is executed Anne addresses the spectators, saying, "In days to come I shall be remembered as one of the wickedest women that ever lived. Henry must justify himself and to do that he will see that my so-called sins are remembered." What did you know about Anne Boleyn prior to reading The Concubine? What is your opinion of the way in which Norah Lofts presents the controversial Queen?
14. Discuss the roles of women in the sixteenth century as portrayed in The Concubine, using the circumstances of Catherine, Anne, Mary, Lady Bo, and Emma as examples. Is there one character in particular with whom you empathized? If so, which one and why?
Enhance Your Book Club

• To learn more about Henry VIII, his wives, and everyday life in Tudor England, visit www.tudorhistory.org.
• Set the tone for your discussion with a CD such as Great Music from the Court of Henry VIII or Music for the Six Wives of Henry VIII, both available at www.tudorshoppe.com.
• Visit www.joyof baking.com/EnglishTeaParty.html for a collection of English Tea Party recipes such as scones filled with jam and Devonshire cream. There are also tips for preparing and serving tea.
• Test your knowledge about Tudor England with the quizzes at www.englishhistory.net/tudor.html, including one about Anne Boleyn.