| 1. | Did you like the book? Why or why not? |
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| 2. | Talk about the time period. Did the setting make the book more interesting or less? |
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| 3. | What about the villain of the book, Muriel? Do you think she came off as a cliché or a figure of comedy? |
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| 4. | The book was previously published as The Countess Below Stairs. What do you make of this title? Which title do you like morethe old one or the new one? |
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| 5. | Eva Ibbotson is known for her rich characterization. Which characters were your favorites and why? |
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| 6. | When did Anna and Rupert fall in love? Is it clear in the book? |
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| 7. | The Secret Countess has been described as a kind of childrens story for adults. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? |
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| 8. | What do you think is stronger in the book: plot development or character development? |
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| 9. | Do you think the book would make a good movie? |
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