BlogHer Book Club: Theodora

I was about to type “I hadn’t read historical fiction much recently”, but I have. Although nothing this far back in history {probably since I read The Red Tent years ago}. The name Theodora was familiar to me ~ most likely from a flash back of a quick blip from a high school history book. I loved reading her story {albeit an amp’d up fictionalized version} in Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore by Stella Duffy {doesn’t that title just make you wanna hear more?!}.

As a dancer {although not a great one}, I remember taking classes & being pushed to try to get into the right positions & stay there. I never {thank God} experienced teachers or mentors or the harsh conditions, pain, & discipline like Theodora but that beginning performing part of her life drew me in.

I’ve traveled some, but nothing like the ways she did & what she experienced in those strange lands. The language Stella Duffy used brought those locations to life. I enjoyed the Christian theology discussed & hearing Theodora’s faith journey. The early law & how laws created or done away with during those times effected our laws is kind of mind blowing.

I finished this book Sunday night & was almost sad it was over. I liked it so much I wanted to read more. Hear more about Theodora’s wild life, to know what happened next. Instead, I’m excited to read & comment about this novel with others on the Theodora BlogHer Book Club discussion page.

This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.