twelfth-century life would you be able to handle, and which do you think you would find more difficult?
3. Richard de Clare is portrayed as a charming and just man, but when Tim is regressed into his life he describes his counterpart as “full of failure and betrayal.” What events in Richard de Clare’s life could be responsible for his anguish?
4. As a child, Tilda is described as cold and indifferent toward her mother. What are some possible reasons for this rejection? As an adult, how does Tilda feel toward her mother?
5. While observing Joanna’s authentic regression, a language expert attempts to rationalize what she is seeing by suggesting that it is “some kind of possession” or “a case of multiple personality” (388). Have you ever encountered something you couldn’t explain, something that appeared to be supernatural in nature? How did you react and why do you think you reacted the way you did?
6. On page 388, Sam says, “people are not reborn without a purpose, Jo. They return to progress or to expiate their sins.” Do you think Joanna was able to complete Matilda’s unfinished business, or will her problems have to be revisited in a future life?
7. Judy uses painting as a constructive way to cope with her strained relationship with Nick and her jealousy of Joanna. Which other characters in the novel have constructive ways of coping with stress? Which characters use destructive methods to escape? What are the constructive ways you cope with stress?
8. Ceecliff is torn between supporting her granddaughter’s decision and doing what she thinks is best for her. How did you react to her decision to let Nick into Joanna’s apartment after being told not to? Would you have made the same decision if you were in her position? How would you have felt if a relative did the same thing to you?
9. Like many siblings, Sam and Nick are extremely competitive with one another, and their rivalry is exacerbated by the unresolved issues in their past lives. In what ways is the relationship between Sam and Nick similar to the relationship between their counterparts, William de Braose and Prince John? In what ways is it different?
10. What role did guilt play in Sam’s dramatic change of heart toward the end of the novel? Were any other characters burdened by guilt? How were they able to find relief?
11. Ann Clements argues that organic farming will lead people back to common sense, health, and sanity. Do you agree with her argument that regression is necessary for progress to be made, or do you support Joanna’s counterargument that “mass produced, mass packaged, and mass managed” (451) is the only path toward progress?
12. Joanna is very amused by the stories of Moll Walbee, the folk tale version of Matilda de Braose. Moll Walbee seems to be an exaggerated version of Matilda; while Matilda was tall, Moll was a giant. Matilda used spells to keep her children safe, and Moll was described as a witch. Consider the other characters in the novel. What would their exaggerated folk tale personas be like? What would your exaggerated folk tale persona be like?
13. Bet is Joanna’s friend, but she is her editor first and foremost. In what ways does Bet act like a friend? In what ways does she act like an editor? Do you think encouraging Joanna to follow Matilda’s story to the end was ethical?
14. Despite the threat of death from the process, Joanna decides to follow Matilda’s life until the very end. What are some possible motivations that led her to this decision? Would you have made the same choice?
15. What do you think would have happened if Joanna had chosen not to follow Matilda’s life all the way to the end? Would she and Nick still end up together?
16. Joanna and Nick have a tumultuous past, but their relationship is slowly repaired over the course of the book. In the end, Joanna chooses to be with Nick despite their problems. How did you react to her decision? What would you have done in Joanna’s place?
About the Author
Barbara Erskine is the author of The Warrior’s Princess as well as
