The Forever Queen (93 page)

22. The story of Cnut holding the tide back is a famous legend. Have you heard it before? Do you think the version presented in the book is more likely to have been what happened? Do you suspect that there are mundane explanations for many of the legends in history?

23. After Cnut dies so unexpectedly, England is in chaos. In desperation, Emma turns to her eldest son, Edward. Was she wise to do this? Would Edward have made an effective king at this time? Earl Godwine is dismayed at her actions; do you think he intended to get Alfred out of England as quickly as possible, or would he have just handed him over to Harold Harefoot to secure his own position?

24. Tragically, everything collapses around Emma at the end of the novel. She has had to fight for survival almost her entire life. Do you admire her, or do you think she should have done some things differently? What things and why?

Helen Hollick lives in northeast London on the edge of Epping Forest with her husband, adult daughter, and a variety of pets, which include several horses, cats, and a dog. She has two major interests: Roman/Saxon Britain and the Golden Age of Piracy—the early eighteenth century. Her particular pleasure is researching the facts behind the small glimpses of history and bringing the characters behind those facts to full and glorious life. She has an honours diploma in early medieval history and may one day, if ever she finds the time, go on to obtain her full degree.

For up-to-date information, you are invited to visit www.helenhollick.net and www.helenhollick.blogspot.com.