Here I have been, forever putting off picking this book up again. And the main reason for this is that when I read it I inevitably spend too much time trying to find out the truth about characters who rather too often turn out to be fictional (but not always, hence maddening research in place of actual research that I am supposed to be doing).

I have been lamenting this fact. Loudly and frequently. To my "friends". Who have said "aww, poor Camilla. I suppose there is nothing for it but to either learn to not be obsessive about historical facts or put the book aside until you have finished your thesis".

Well, I cracked. I picked it up again (but forced myself to read it well away from computers).

And then, today, I accidentally looked at pages towards the end (no sinister business, I was merely trying to find my bookmark). And what do I find? Historical and fictional characters neatly separated and explained.

You all hate me.
Yes, Ben. I'm looking at you.