It is not fishing for compliments when I do sometimes voice my misgivings with my own writing, how I do often consider it tripe I am deeply unhappy with. But then some kind soul comes along and reminds me how Furor Normannicus and its characters, first and foremost Serlo de Hauteville, seem to resonate emotionally with quite a few people, and I realize again how resonating emotionally with people is far from nothing, shortcomings of the writing aside. On this level, too – maybe more on this than on any other – it is therefore wonderful to receive this award as a reminder that some people are really touched by my characters. Thank you.