Thus With a Kiss I Die

THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Readers’ Guide Questions
(As with all Readers’ Guide Questions, it is strongly suggested you not read these until you’ve read the story.)
Warning! Contains spoilers about THUS WITH A KISS I DIE .

1. The inspiration for THUS WITH A KISS I DIE is Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with the appearance of a princely ghost-father to his demand that his murderer be brought to justice. What parallels do you see between the two stories? What differences?
2. With justification, at the beginning of THUS WITH A KISS I DIE, Rosie feels trapped by her betrothal to Escalus, prince of Verona. Given that Rosie prides herself on being a sensible woman, do you consider her (fairly) graceful acceptance of her circumstances to be appropriate? Should she be more proactive in seeking a change?
3. In this story, Lady Juliet is shown in a different or more revealing light than in A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA. Were you surprised to discover the gentle Juliet was a formidable wife and mother? What do you think of how she handled Rosie’s lingering rebellion against her betrothal to the prince of Verona?
4. What did you think of Rosie’s reaction to meeting Prince Escalus the elder (called Elder)—a ghost? How would you react if someone from the Other Side appeared before you and spoke? What would you do when you discovered no one could see or hear the ghost but you?
5. Knowing what we learn of Elder’s typical (at the time) opinions of women, and knowing that he was stuck with Rosie (Lady Rosaline) as sleuth because she alone could see him, what do you think of his behavior toward her? How did you see their relationship develop throughout the book?
6. Princess Ursula (Nonna) is a prominent character in THUS WITH A KISS I DIE, known for being “formidable woman who spreads terror before her like a farmer spreads manure,” (quote from her grandson, Prince Escalus the younger.) Do you agree with him? What is her role in the story? Would you want to sit and have tea with her? (Or more likely, a glass of wine.)
7. Are you Team Prince Escalus or Team Lysander? What do you admire about each man? What do you dislike? At this point in Rosie’s journey, which man is the ‘right’ man for Rosie?
8. How did you feel her change as she interacts with Cal?
9. Elder vows to unite Rosie with her One True Love. Do you believe he intends to do as he says? Do you think that was Rosie’s only motivation to solving the mystery of who killed Elder, and does she see the inherent double-sidedness of Elder’s promise?
10. Although the danger from the thugs who are involved with the Flagellants is great and Rosie is well aware of it, having witnessed them herself, she’s the only one available to help her mother who is in labor, and defying Cal’s commands, she goes into Verona’s night streets. Did you feel her terror? Given the motivation, would you be so brave?
11. There are instances of vulgar humor in THUS WITH A KISS I DIE—albeit, with a Shakespeare flair (as in, Shakespeare loved a fart joke and so did his audiences.) Did you enjoy the vulgarity/humor? Did it enhance or distract from the story?
12. The era in which THUS WITH A KISS I DIE is set was not known for allowing women the freedoms that are enjoyed (and threatened) today. Yet, Rosie is far from demure and obedient. Do you think that was more common for this time-period than history books would have us believe? Were woman ‘running the show’ behind the scenes or were they subservient?
13. After the climatic battle between Prince Escalus and the villain, Prince Escalus releases Rosie from their betrothal. After all his machinations to secure her hand in marriage, what did you think of his decision? How did it make you feel about him? How did it make Rosie feel about him?
14. Based on her belief it was the honorable thing to do, Rosie changes her life goals to fulfill her betrothal to Prince Escalus. Is she telling herself the truth, or only a partial truth, about her reasons? What would you do in her place? And why?
15. What do you think Lysander is feeling as he loses his true love by her own choice?
16. With the current turmoil in the United States and in the world, do you see the connection to the anarchists of the past and those who seek to destroy democracy today? What unites them? What divides them? Are they thugs or crusaders for right?
17. Did you feel that all was resolved at the end of the book, or are you left with questions?