The Purple Shroud

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.

Long-listed for Green Carnation Prize 2012 (UK)

Stella Duffy is the author of six literary novels including The Room of Lost Things (Stonewall Writer of the Year 2008) and State of Happiness, and five crime novels. She is co-editor of the anthology Tart Noir and winner of the 2002 CWA Short Story Dagger Award. Her website is

I am your Empress, sir. I stand in the purple beside you, here with your men, your advisers, your generals. I know it has been said that too often I speak where a woman should remain silent. It may be inappropriate, but this crisis does not call for what is appropriate, it calls for what is right. Once, Theodora was little more than a slave, 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. Clever, courageous and ruthless when betrayed, Theodora rules alongside her husband, the Emperor Justinian. While wars rage on the borders of the Empire, she 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, to plagues and plots and murder, Theodora learns what it truly means to be Empress. '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 'Duffy's prose is indulgently rich and her scholarship impressive. This sumptuous courtly novel revolves around Theodora's intriguing character' Literary Review

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.

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