The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora

By Stephanie Marie Thornton

Book Overview

Where Theodora went, trouble followed.... In sixth-century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told .... After her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation and a life on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can--first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a backdoor entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector--only to face heartbreak and betrayal. Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and, by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the emperor's nephew. She thrives as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder--is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it? READERS GUIDE INCLUDED

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045141778X
• ISBN13: 9780451417787
• Release Date: July 2013
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Poor Writing

Disturbing child abuse that did not enhance the storyline. Disappointed with the writing style. Many simple similies on each page. After 4 chapters, I couldn't take it anymore. I read a lot of Historical Fiction. This book seemed like a rough draft version. There were even a few spelling mistakes. The Gate of Charisius was spelled incorrectly as was Theodora's older sister’s name. In the book it was not Comitona as recorded in historical documents. Seemed like a first novel written by a middle schooler.