The Purple Shroud

October 1, 2012

In this novel that picks up where the first book (Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore) left off, the empress of Constantinople has matured into an intelligent, capable, ruthless ruler whose support and love for her aging husband, Justinian, is undiminished by time. With the guidance of her loyal staff, she has learned to navigate the shoals of intrigue and power-brokering--the hallmark of the Byzantine Empire. But it has cost her dearly. She is alienated from her only daughter, friends from her past life in the theater are either dead or estranged, and former allies plot against Justinian for the throne. Covering almost two decades, this novel presents Constantinople through the eyes of Theodora and takes readers through the burning and rebuilding of the city following sectarian rioting, the rise of Eastern Orthodoxy, the devastation of the city by plague, and the death of Theodora herself. VERDICT Even better than the first book, Duffy's portrayal of a former actress's extraordinary rise to power is riveting. These engrossing novels by the winner of the Stonewall Writer of the Year Award will appeal to fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Michelle Moran, and Colleen McCullough. [See Prepub Alert, 4/16/12.]--Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage P.L., AK

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2012
The sequel to Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore (2011) follows Theodora's adult life as she wields the power conferred on her by Emperor Justinian of Constantinople during politically difficult times. Green and Blue social factions revolt in the 532 Nika Riots, killing thousands and destroying half the city, while political factions take advantage of the unrest to attempt a coup. As Justinian plans an escape from the city, Theodora refuses to leave and rallies her husband's flagging confidence, regaining the people's trust and helping rebuild the ruined city, though she later betrays the emperor with a lover. Rich in dialogue, filled with fascinating details of sixth-century life in Asia Minor, Duffy's novel offers an intimate portrayal of the calculating empress, who was an early feminist and a brilliant ruler, capable of manipulating circumstances to fit her will. Readers who loved the spunky, passionate, and headstrong actress of the first book will warm gradually to the mature and secretive Empress Theodora. Reminiscent of Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter (2009) and C. W. Gortner's The Queen's Vow (2012).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)