Helena, published in 1950, is a historical novel by Evelyn Waugh focusing on the life of Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The novel offers a somewhat unconventional and often humorous portrayal of Helena, depicting her as a boisterous, plain-speaking woman of humble origins who ultimately undertakes a quest to find the True Cross.
The narrative blends historical fact with Waugh's characteristic wit and religious themes. Helena is presented as a woman who, despite her initial lack of spiritual inclination, is driven by a deep-seated intuition that she is destined for a great purpose. Her journey takes her from Britain to the Roman Empire and eventually to the Holy Land.
Waugh uses Helena's story as a vehicle to explore his own views on faith, tradition, and the nature of holiness. The novel offers a sympathetic yet often satirical look at the early Christian Church and the personalities involved in shaping its doctrines. While rooted in historical context, the novel is not strictly a biography; Waugh takes significant liberties with known historical details to serve his artistic and thematic purposes.
The book is divided into three parts: her initial life in Britain, her marriage to Constantius and subsequent life in the Roman Empire, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem where she locates the True Cross. Through this journey, Helena evolves from a somewhat naïve and impulsive character into a figure of profound spiritual significance. The novel often contrasts Helena’s earthy practicality with the intellectual debates of theologians, highlighting her intuitive understanding of faith.
"Helena" is considered one of Waugh's more challenging and perhaps underrated works, exploring complex theological ideas within the framework of a captivating and often humorous narrative. It deviates from his more overtly satirical novels and represents a significant expression of his Catholic faith.