In what ways do you think that Marie changes as a character over the course of the novel? In what ways do you think that she remains the same?

While this book is a work of fiction, Groff chose two real historical figures, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Marie de France, as central characters. How does knowledge of these characters’ histories and historical contexts inform the reading of the book? What makes these women intriguing characters to embellish?

Eleanor and Marie have a complicated relationship. What are some similarities and some differences between them? How does their relationship change over the course of the novel?