Once, Theodora was little more than a slave, the daughter of a bear-keeper, running barefoot through the streets of Constantinople. Now she is Theoudoron, 'the Gift of God', Empress of Byzantine Rome and the most powerful woman in the world.

'Hard-nosed, cruel, imaginative, kind, frustrated, generous, ruthless: Theodora is, in Duffy's hands, a richly paradoxical character from whom the light of life shines brightly' GUARDIAN

In Stella Duffy's compelling new novel, the beguiling and extraordinary Empress Theodora emerges from the shadow of history into brilliant light. Clever, courageous and ruthless when betrayed, Theodora rules alongside her husband, the Emperor Justinian - a true love match in a world of political marriages. But while wars rage on the borders of the Empire, Theodora discovers that the greatest danger to her reign - and her life - lies much closer to home.

'Highly enjoyable' SUNDAY TIMES

'A writer who never lets you down' ALI SMITH

* Existing author website http://stelladuffy.wordpress.com/ * Online promotion through Virago channels * Twitter activity through the Theodora account

About the Author
Stella Duffy has written thirteen novels, over fifty short stories, and ten plays. She has twice won Stonewall Writer of the Year and twice won the CWA Short Story Dagger. HBO have optioned her two Theodora novels for television. In addition to her writing work, Stella is a theatre-maker and the co-director of the national Fun Palaces campaign for greater access to culture for all. She was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to the Arts. Her website is www.stelladuffy.wordpress.com.

Awards
Long-listed for Green Carnation Prize 2012 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781844087785
Author Stella Duffy
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Virago Press Ltd
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 278g
Dimensions(mm) 150mm * 199mm * 28mm