Star Wars Book Club discussion

Something I'm noticing in the book is how much effort Terry goes to to make you think that Padme and Queen Amidala are two different people. There are hints that Qui-Gonn suspects something is afoot.
But while watching the movie I always knew that Padme was Queen Amidala, if for no other reason than the casting of Natalie Portman and seeing her as Amidala from the start. So the reveal of Padme as Amidala in the movie has no shock value for the viewer (I don't know if it was supposed to or not.)

Whereas in the book, I could see that someone never having seen the movie might think they were two separate people and having that moment when she reveals herself as the Queen to be a big moment.
Is anyone else getting this?

I agree. I think Brooks took advantage of the reader's imagination in allowing it to feel as if they were two different people all the way until the big reveal. It was actually one of the fun parts of reading this book to kind of be "in on it" with Brooks and Padme, and be aware of the engineering behind it all.

The same can be said of Palpatine/Darth Sidious. While the movie also kept this "under the hat," Brooks actually plays both sides of the issue in the book. During the Senate session, Palpatine is stated as making eye contact with Trade Federation members, almost tipping readers that something else is happening. And near the end of the book, as Sidious is ruminating about the loss of Darth Maul, he is described as being on a balcony overlooking "the city." But you get no idea of what city he's looking at. Reader's might assume its Coruscant, but Palpatine is on Naboo...so one would guess it's actually Theed!

Overall, some nice moments and manipulations by Brooks!