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 Theoudoron, ''the Gift of God'', Empress of Byzantine Rome and the most powerful woman in the world. ''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'' GUARDIANIn 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. But 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. ''Highly enjoyable'' SUNDAY TIMES''A writer who never lets you down'' ALI SMITH