Theodora - Book Review

Stella Duffy, author of Theodora, recreates the life of a young girl training for the Byzantine stage and by the young age of fifteen becomes the star of that very same stage.

Theodora and her two sisters are trained in the arts of the stage by an exacting eunuch. Even at a young age, Theodora is quick witted and spunky. She may not be the prettiest of most talented girl among her peers, but she feels it important to point out all the funny and absurd things of life. And as most actresses were, she was a child prostitute.

Duffy has definitely done her research on the ancient city of Constantinople. The street names and geography of the Roman city she describes are spot on with historical maps. Duffy paints a gorgeous picture of life during the change to the Byzantine era.

In the novel's end, Theodora walks out with one of the world's most powerful emperors, Justinian, her new husband, to greet the very crowds she once performed in front of.

I'm a little indifferent about this book. I don't know if I would recommend this book, though I can appreciate it.

This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own.