The Purple Shroud - Hardcover

Stella Duffy

3.67

377 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1844087778 ISBN 13: 9781844087778

Publisher: Virago Press (UK), 2012

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Once, Theodora was little more than a slave, the daughter of a bear-keeper, running barefoot through the streets of Constantinople. Now she is Theou doron, 'the Gift of God', Empress of Byzantine Rome and the most powerful woman in the world. 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. 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. From the catastrophic and terrifying riots that burn through the city; to vengeful enemies at the palace who will never accept 'Theodora-from-the-brothel'; to plagues and plots and murder, Theodora learns what it truly means to be Empress. Spanning over twenty dramatic years of Theodora's reign, The Purple Shroud is a vivid portrait of a charismatic, exceptional woman and a fascinating exploration of both the pleasures and the burdens of power.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Stella Duffy has written thirteen novels, ten plays and forty five short stories, including several for BBC Radio. Her novels have twice been longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction, she is a recipient of the Crime Writers' Association Short Story Dagger Award, and has twice won Stonewall Writer of the Year. In addition to her writing work she is an actor and theatre director.

Review:

Praise for THEODORA:
"THEODORA""is a best-of-all-worlds book -- entertaining, gripping, thoughtful and dangerously enlightening. Stella Duffy, a versatile and gifted novelist, is uniquely suited to bringing Theodora to life. She clearly has great affection for her subject, but does not allow that to undercut her keen eye and pitch-perfect ear. An achievement that many writers will envy and few will equal."
--Laura Lippman
In "THEODORA Actress, Empress, Whore," Stella Duffy's brilliantly organized imagination has re-imagined one of the most resourceful, smart, and emotionally complex woman in history, creating a woman remarkably relevant to the 21st century: a rags-to-riches story of survival and achievement--a feminist reality tale we can all relate to. Read this book. It is a gift from Stella Duffy we should not refuse."
--"Lambda Literary Review"
"Lively and dramatic. Duffy explores themes of sexuality, theater, religious conversion, female oppression, and the struggle for power and recognition in a sixth-century historical setting with a surprisingly contemporary attitude. "
--"Library Journal"
" "
"Duffy's seductive retelling of the story of the legendary empress Theodora will delight historical fiction fans. . . . a portrait of a woman who rose from misfortune and poverty to build an empire alongside a devoted husband."
"--Publishers Weekly"
" "
"Duffy's passion for her heroine, the charismatic Theodora, is evident on every page. The result is a novel that remains true to its historical sources, whilst managing to reinvent its subject matter with great freshness and verve. A vivid and affectionate portrait of one of the most fascinating personalities of the ancient world."
--Sarah Waters, author of "The Little Stranger
"
Fantastic praise from the UK:
"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

Praise for "Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore"
""Theodora"""is a best-of-all-worlds book--entertaining, gripping, thoughtful and dangerously enlightening. Stella Duffy, a versatile and gifted novelist, is uniquely suited to bringing Theodora to life. She clearly has great affection for her subject, but does not allow that to undercut her keen eye and pitch-perfect ear. An achievement that many writers will envy and few will equal." --Laura Lippman "In "Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore," Stella Duffy's brilliantly organized imagination has re-imagined one of the most resourceful, smart, and emotionally complex woman in history, creating a woman remarkably relevant to the 21st century: a rags-to-riches story of survival and achievement--a feminist reality tale we can all relate to. Read this book. It is a gift from Stella Duffy we should not refuse." --LAMBDA" Literary Review"
"Lively and dramatic. Duffy explores themes of sexuality, theater, religious conversion, female oppression, and the struggle for power and recognition in a sixth-century historical setting with a surprisingly contemporary attitude." --"Library Journal"
"Duffy's seductive retelling of the story of the legendary empress Theodora will delight historical fiction fans. . . . a portrait of a woman who rose from misfortune and poverty to build an empire alongside a devoted husband." "--Publishers Weekly"
"""Duffy's passion for her heroine, the charismatic Theodora, is evident on every page. The result is a novel that remains true to its historical sources, whilst managing to reinvent its subject matter with great freshness and verve. A vivid and affectionate portrait of one of the most fascinating personalities of the ancient world." --Sarah Waters, author of "The Little Stranger""
"
Fantastic praise from the UK:
"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 C

"Even better than the first book, Duffy's portrayal of a former actress's extraordinary rise to power is riveting." - "Library Journal"

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.