Belinda asked Eva Flynn:

Dear Mrs. Flynn, enjoying your book The Renegade Queen a lot. I am almost done. On page 280 now. What is jumping into the eye is the huge difference between Canning and James. Is did based on the truth? Ore in order for the story? Greats, Belinda Augustinus The Netherlands

Eva Flynn Hi Belinda,

Thanks for your question! And I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story and making it to the end, that is very gratifying. The portraits of Canning and James are based on research, and are accurate as possible. Canning was never interviewed, so we don't really have his side of the story. James, however, was interviewed and wrote articles so we have his perspective on the events of the day and his relationship with Victoria. James also testified in court in at least two trials where he was questioned about his relationship with Victoria, so we have his testimony as well. As far as Canning, his portrait is mainly from Victoria's testimony and interviews as well as a few of his relatives. Everyone agrees that he was a drunk/addict. A few of his supporters believed that Victoria drove him to drink, but I don't think that is a fair thing to say about anyone. Addicts/alcoholics have to take responsibility for their own behavior.

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