Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore

Author: Stella Duffy

Stock information

General Fields

  • : $22.99 AUD
  • : 9781844082117
  • : Little, Brown Book Group
  • : Virago Press Ltd
  • :
  • : 0.278
  • : April 2011
  • : 198mm X 126mm
  • : United Kingdom
  • : 22.99
  • : June 2011
  • :
  • :
  • : books

Special Fields

  • :
  • :
  • : Stella Duffy
  • :
  • : Paperback
  • : 1
  • :
  • : en
  • : 823.914
  • :
  • :
  • : 352
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • :
Barcode 9781844082117
9781844082117

Description

Justinian took a wife: and the manner she was born and bred, and wedded to this man, tore up the Roman Empire by the very roots' Procopius Charming, charismatic, heroic - Theodora of Constantinople rose from nothing to become the most powerful woman in the history of Byzantine Rome. In Stella Duffy's breathtaking new novel, she comes to life again - a fascinating, controversial and seductive woman. Some called her a saint. Others were not so kind...When her father is killed, the young Theodora is forced into near slavery to survive. But just as she learns to control her body as a dancer, and for the men who can afford her, so she is determined to shape a very different fate for herself. From the vibrant streets and erotic stage shows of sixth century Constantinople to the holy desert retreats of Alexandria, Theodora is an extraordinary imaginative achievement from one of our finest writers.

Promotion info

* A brilliant new novel from the author of Singling out the Couples, State of Happiness and Parallel Lies

Awards

Winner of Stonewall Awards Writer of the Year 2010.

Reviews

'As bold, seductive and passionate as its subject, Theodora is an exuberant performance, a vivid exemplar of how women make history against all the odds' Jake Arnott


'Stella Duffy's first historical novel will set a benchmark for others to aim for. Her story of Theodora's rise from dancing girl and whore to Empress of Constantinople is a delight in all ways, from the sweat of the theatre and the grind of a child in poverty to the powerlessness of women to the ways in which they can - and did - find their ways to power. Magical, moving and inspiring in one, this is easily Duffy's best novel to date - and that's setting the bar pretty high' Manda Scott, author of the bestselling Boudica series

Author description

Stella Duffy is the author of seven novels and the Saz Martin crime series. She has published over thirty short stories, many feature articles, and also writes for radio and theatre. Stella Duffy was born in the UK, grew up in New Zealand and now lives in London. In addition to her writing work she is an actor and improviser.