Printable Book Club Questions for The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

Let’s first discuss the book cover. It shows a ship sailing over a copper-colored braid. How does this image help to represent Grace’s journey? Let’s discuss the deeper meaning of Grace cutting off her braid when she was little.
Did you know much about Grace O’Malley before reading The Pirate Queen? What are some aspects of her story that stuck out to you the most?
The author Ariel Lawhon wrote the story in a nonlinear format and focused on the alternating timelines divided into three sections: Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch. Why do you feel the story was told in this way? Did you like the nonlinear format?
Did anyone read the story in chronological order? If you did, when did you decide to read in that way instead?
Which of those three sections were you most engaged with and why?
The book covers a wide range of Grace’s life, but were there any aspects of her life you wished the book focused on in more detail?
Why was being on the sea Grace’s true calling in life?
Grace grew very close with her brother Donal, despite living in separate households. Why did the two share such a bond?
While Grace has no choice in the marriage to the awful O’Flaherty (who is also Donal, but she refuses to call him by his first name), she does fall in love with Richard Bourke, who she’s not able to be with. What did you think of the love story between Grace and Richard?
Grace has several enemies, including her first husband O’Flaherty, but her main antagonist in the novel is Sir Richard Bingham. What were your thoughts on Grace’s fight against him?
Grace experiences the ultimate betrayal when Merrick sides with Richard Bingham, showcasing how he’s like his father. What were your thoughts as you read this unfold?
What were some key ways Grace was able to earn the loyalty of her people and the shipmates? What key qualities did she demonstrate as a leader?
Everything leads up to the crucial scene between Grace and Queen Elizabeth, where Grace refuses to bow to Queen Elizabeth, as Grace feels she’s also a Queen. In what ways were they similar?
Queen Elizabeth tells Richard to release Grace’s son and brother. Why did she do this without asking anything in return?
There’s no mention of Grace in official Irish history, only in English historical letters. Why do you think she is not officially covered in Irish history, only folklore?
If Hollywood adapts The Pirate Queen into a movie, who should play Grace, and the other key roles?