Crusade

by Robyn Young

Book of the Month: February 2008

Reading Group

Author
Reading Group Guide
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Author

Robyn Young was born in Oxford and grew up in the Midlands and Devon. She has worked as a festival organiser, a music promoter, an investment advisor and as a teacher of creative writing. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Sussex.

Reading Group Guide

What do you think are the main themes in this novel?
Do you feel that the novel, even though it's historical fiction, has connections to the modern world? If so, in what ways?
Do you think the story could be turned into a film?
Who would play Will and Elwen?
Are there any other books you would compare this novel to?
War and peace are important themes in Crusade – in what ways are Will and Kalawun thwarted in their attempts to reconcile their people?
Do you believe that the Anima Templi could ultimately achieve its aims?
How do you feel about the deaths of some of the characters? Did you feel more for one particular character? If so, why?
Why does Will find it so difficult to commit to Elwen?
Do you feel empathy towards Garin? If so, why?
Did you find your allegiances to characters or to the East and West sides shifting at all during the course of the novel? If so, in what ways?
This period of history is extremely popular – what do you believe it is that fascinates people about this time?