Crusade
by Robyn Young
Book of the Month: February 2008
Reading Group
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?
Read an Extract
- Read an Extract [crusade_extract.pdf] (0.47 MB)
Next month's book
The Choice by Nicolas Sparks
How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive? Sneak Preview
Previous book
Wish You Were Here by Mike Gayle
Their holiday brochure said 18-30 . . . But they've just turned 35.
After ten years together Charlie Mansell has been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, Sarah. All he wants to do is wallow in misery, but mates Andy and Tom have a better idea: a week of sun, sea and souvlaki in Malia, party capital of the Greek islands. But Charlie and his mates aren't eighteen any more. Or even under thirty. And it shows.
Read more
Death Message by Mark Billingham
Tom Thorne faces one of the toughest challenges of his career, knowing that there is no killer more dangerous than one who has nothing left to lose. Read more
Tell it to the Skies by Erica James
An Absolute Scandal by Penny Vincenzi
The No. 1 bestseller is back with her greatest blockbuster yet. Read more
Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard
When three old school friends set sail for the holiday of a lifetime, their dream trip turns into a desperate fight for survival; the women are faced with dwindling supplies, piracy and the deep, lonely ocean. Jacquelyn Mitchard explores the limits of friendship and the truths that bind us to each other forever.
Read more
Crusade by Robyn Young
It is 1274 and in the fortified city of Acre, the last major stronghold of the Crusaders in Palestine, an epic conflict is beginning.
Will Campbell is a Templar Knight, trained for war, but as a member of the mysterious group known as the Brethren, he is also a man of peace. After years of bloodshed, the Brethren have helped to create a truce between the Christians and Muslims. But Will now fears they have been betrayed. King Edward of England has promised the Pope that he will lead a new Crusade, while in Acre itself, a ruthless cabal of Western merchants, profiteering from slaves and armaments, is plotting to reignite hostilities in the Holy Land.
Read more
Die For Me by Karen Rose
DIE FOR ME is the story of Vito Ciccotelli, a Philadelphia homicide detective.
Read more