Theodora of Constantinople was the daughter of a bear trainer who became a dancer, actress, prostitute, religious convert, mistress, Empress and finally Saint of the Orthodox Church. In Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore, Stella Duffy provides a fictional biography of the first part of her life, from when the death of her father forces her on the stage to the moment she becomes Empress. A sequel is planned.
I found this book to be underwhelming. Theodora certainly had an interesting life, and it was obvious that Duffy had done a great deal of research into her character, setting and time period, but this novel was just an average piece of historical fiction for me. It was one of those books I was anxious to finish so that I could get on to something else.
I think part of the problem was the way the characters, especially Theodora herself, spoke to each other. I have nothing against swearing or crude language, but it was all done with modern phrasing. Didn't the Ancients have their own swear words and phrases? It was jarring for me as a reader to be transported back in time only to have the characters come out with very modern dialogue.
What I enjoyed most about Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore was the settings. Constantinople and Alexandria were written vividly and I could easily imagine what it would have been like to live in them. The sights and smells were all invoked skilfully.
Verdict: Average piece of historical fiction about a woman with a fascinating life.
First published: 2011
Source: From the publisher via NetGalley
Score: 2.5 out of 5
Have you read any of Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome books? Her characters tend to use modern swear words when they're cussing, but then again they are probably the equivalent of their Roman/Latin curse words. It took me a few 100 pages to get used to these words before I was ready to accept them as part of these characters' speech patterns. However, I didn't think any of it spoilt the overall story telling and effect of the plot.
ReplyDeleteIs it so with this book? Is it just the modern day curse words? How does the story, plot and characterisation pan out? I ask, 'cause this book sound VERY interesting. Although, I've to admit, I'd never heard of this historical character until now... :)
Too bad it was such a bore. It sounded like it could have been a really interesting and engaging story.
ReplyDeleteRisa, the only McCullough I have read is Anthony and Cleopatra, which I liked. It wasn't just the swearing, it was the whole way they spoke, in a very modern British way. It's hard to explain. Aside from that, there was character development but the plot dragged a bit in the middle. I think you should give it a go, most readers have enjoyed it more than I did.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought Theodora would make a fascinating protagonist for a novel. I'm tempted to have a peek at it just for the historical setting. But with so much else to read right now, I'm not in a huge hurry if the book was just so-so.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually disappointed when a historical novel drops the ball on things like language. I understand the need to appeal to the modern reader, but not when it's so jarring as to distract from the rest of the story. Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame this one wasn't better, as I would have been interested to read about her: Theodora is someone about whom I know next to nothing. But I tend to be pretty picky about my historical fiction, so I think I will pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like this one had potential, too bad.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against swearing or crude language, but it was all done with modern phrasing.
It's funny but this reminds me of one of the old Greek plays that was translated in the 1960s and there was some "groovy" modern language in the translation that I found hilarious (I think it was a play by Aristophanes, though I don't remember which).
Great review. I get how modern swear words can make this book jarring, but reading about Constantinople and Alexandria sounds wonderful. It's great how books can transport us to bygone times and places.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would have read through to the end, it would have bothered me too.
ReplyDeleteAnn