What do you think?
Rate this book
Teodora: emperatriz de Bizancio
Su ambición fue tan grande como la astucia e inteligencia con la que influía en su marido, el emperador Justiniano, tanto en los asuntos políticos como religiosos. Inspiró la reforma de las leyes que afectaban sobre todo a las mujeres, en cuanto al matrimonio, divorcio y adulterio, tenía el poder de ascender a sus amigos y hacer caer en desgracia a sus oponentes; pero también escondía secretos. Arrastraba un pasado como actriz y prostituta antes de ser amante, y luego esposa, del emperador. Además, a todos sorprendía la cerra brillante de un joven, hijo de un magistrado rural, al que la emperatriz apoyaba y colmaba de regalos.
332 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1987
12 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Bradshaw
52 books323 followersBorn in Arlington, Virgina, Gillian Bradshaw grew up in Washington, Santiago, Chile and Michigan. She is a Classics graduate from Newnham College, Cambridge, and published her first novel, Hawk of May, just before her final term. A highly acclaimed historical novelist, Gillian Bradshaw has won the Hopwood Award for Fiction, among other prizes. She lives in Cambridge with her husband and their four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 15, 2016
Definitely the best novel about Theodora I have read - though the total is only 3! There is a delightful humour in here, too, that seems somehow entirely appropriate to Theodora - though, of course, it is not really centred on Theodora but on her putative son, John. Characterisation is wonderful and the history is pretty darn good for a novel written in the 1980s. I am now eager to consume this author's other books - I am enchanted to see there are quite a few!
March 12, 2014
I was really interested to read this, since it's set in Constantinople, and I think in the same period as Guy Gavriel Kay's Constantinople-analogue, Sarantium, in the Sarantine Mosaic books. Even in other fiction I've come across Theodora, both as a great and powerful woman and as a scheming whore. This version is a somewhat ambivalent one, seen through the eyes of her bastard son whom she cannot acknowledge but nonetheless loves and schemes for. I liked the way she was portrayed: her drives and ambitions made sense, came out of the real history we know Theodora had.
The story is more about her son, though, based on a rumour about Theodora from Procopius' Secret History -- a very Rosemary Sutcliff-like touch, to take a half-known story and expand it and develop it into something that could have been, like The Eagle of the Ninth. Her books are aimed more at adults, I think, but there's still that same flavour to them from the ones I've read so far, and they touch on similar periods and topics.
I got really involved in this, gradually, drawn into the world of Constantinople and of the people Bradshaw gives us -- I loved Narses and Anastasios, and though I didn't think I would come to love her, Euphemia as well. Theodora, of course, and this version of Justinian, worked very well for me. There are some really powerful scenes, and while there's a constraint and dryness to it in a way -- it doesn't step severely away from what we do know of the period -- it still caught me up in a spell while I was reading.
When you read the blurb, it does sound as if it's going to be somewhat sensational -- bastard sons usually are a pretty dramatic complication, after all. But actually, it tries to steer a path between an interesting story and realism, and I really enjoyed watching that balancing act.
The story is more about her son, though, based on a rumour about Theodora from Procopius' Secret History -- a very Rosemary Sutcliff-like touch, to take a half-known story and expand it and develop it into something that could have been, like The Eagle of the Ninth. Her books are aimed more at adults, I think, but there's still that same flavour to them from the ones I've read so far, and they touch on similar periods and topics.
I got really involved in this, gradually, drawn into the world of Constantinople and of the people Bradshaw gives us -- I loved Narses and Anastasios, and though I didn't think I would come to love her, Euphemia as well. Theodora, of course, and this version of Justinian, worked very well for me. There are some really powerful scenes, and while there's a constraint and dryness to it in a way -- it doesn't step severely away from what we do know of the period -- it still caught me up in a spell while I was reading.
When you read the blurb, it does sound as if it's going to be somewhat sensational -- bastard sons usually are a pretty dramatic complication, after all. But actually, it tries to steer a path between an interesting story and realism, and I really enjoyed watching that balancing act.
May 24, 2023
A gripping story of the Empress Theodora, her bastard son John, and her husband the Emperor Justinian, in the Eastern Roman Empire in the mid 6th century. The best review I saw here is Nicky's, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... -- so that's the one to start with. I'll wait.
Back again? I like Bradshaw's historicals, and this one is as good as any of hers I've read. This one is about as good as historical fiction gets, I think. The outline of the story is reasonably close to history, I think, though 1500 years later, many of the details are lost, and of course it is fiction: the Empress's bastard son is only hinted at in a rather scurrilous popular history of the time. If you are interested in the period, and like Bradshaw's work I recommend this one highly. Actually, if you like historical fiction period, I think you would like this one. 4.5+ stars!
Back again? I like Bradshaw's historicals, and this one is as good as any of hers I've read. This one is about as good as historical fiction gets, I think. The outline of the story is reasonably close to history, I think, though 1500 years later, many of the details are lost, and of course it is fiction: the Empress's bastard son is only hinted at in a rather scurrilous popular history of the time. If you are interested in the period, and like Bradshaw's work I recommend this one highly. Actually, if you like historical fiction period, I think you would like this one. 4.5+ stars!
May 19, 2016
This historical novel is set in Constantinople during Justinian’s reign. It borrows the idea of a presumed son of the empress Theodora from a section (The Crimes of Theodora) in the “Secret History” by Procopius (a scholar and historian of the time). The novel should be more appropriately titled “The Bearkeeper’s Grandson” as the main character is not the empress Theodora, like the title of the novel would suggest, but her son.
The story follows John who, at the death of his father travels to the capital to meet his mother, now empress. Theodora finds him a place in the imperial administration under the wing of Narses (Justinian’s eunuch courtier and general) where he, predictably, shines.
The book is enjoyable and mostly historically accurate but the writing style and dialogues were too simple for my taste. 2.5 stars
The story follows John who, at the death of his father travels to the capital to meet his mother, now empress. Theodora finds him a place in the imperial administration under the wing of Narses (Justinian’s eunuch courtier and general) where he, predictably, shines.
The book is enjoyable and mostly historically accurate but the writing style and dialogues were too simple for my taste. 2.5 stars
September 25, 2015
Gillian Bradshaw's books rarely disappoint. I love the periods of history she writes in--in this case, 6th century Constantinope. The plot isn't overtly thrilling but the history is woven in deftly and I kept turning the pages, loving every one.
December 5, 2017
Plot: 10 (powerful personal journey with some adventure elements)
Characters: 10 (highly memorable and likable)
Accuracy: 9 (well-researched if idealistic)
A charming novel set in the Byzantine Empire of Justinian and Theodora. Despite what the title may suggest, Theodora's not really the main character in the book, although she is the impetus that allows everything to happen. Instead, it's her (probably) fictitious bastard son John who comes to Constantinople looking for his mother and some sort of purpose. It's pretty much a quintessential coming-of-age story, although his main goal is figuring out what his relationship with his newly-revealed mother is. And of course it's complicated. When your mom co-rules the civilized world and gleefully takes revenge on those who she dislikes it's going to be. The characterizations are a delight, particularly the eunuch Narses. Now there's a man who needs an entire book written about him. We see him at his best here, diligently carrying out his duties to keep the empire running in as non-heroic a manner as possible. I suspect Varys was heavily influenced by this portrayal. Our lead is enjoyable too, coming across as extremely likable and competent, and pulling just short of unbelievability.
The world is established effectively and the feeling of being a Byzantine bureaucrat comes across clearly. People act a lot nicer than they should do, as is common with a lot of novels set in the distant past. Romans were deeply mistrustful of love, regarding it as a dangerous lack of control, so much of his search for emotional satisfaction (and his ability to express that lack) feels a bit of a stretch. That said, the exception that proves the rule is Justinian, who married Theodora to much outrage even though she was a lowly actress and courtesan. So I suppose it runs in the family. And this novel's far from the worst at importing modern preconceptions and values into the ancient world. In general, it hews pretty closely to how the Romans behaved, simply not focusing on their more unpleasant aspects. The structured courtliness is well conveyed, although she envisions this as more of a surface affectation than a structured way of dealing with everyday life. I highly doubt that, but she makes it work here. The point is that the world feels real and lived-in. And for a time it's nice to visit.
Characters: 10 (highly memorable and likable)
Accuracy: 9 (well-researched if idealistic)
A charming novel set in the Byzantine Empire of Justinian and Theodora. Despite what the title may suggest, Theodora's not really the main character in the book, although she is the impetus that allows everything to happen. Instead, it's her (probably) fictitious bastard son John who comes to Constantinople looking for his mother and some sort of purpose. It's pretty much a quintessential coming-of-age story, although his main goal is figuring out what his relationship with his newly-revealed mother is. And of course it's complicated. When your mom co-rules the civilized world and gleefully takes revenge on those who she dislikes it's going to be. The characterizations are a delight, particularly the eunuch Narses. Now there's a man who needs an entire book written about him. We see him at his best here, diligently carrying out his duties to keep the empire running in as non-heroic a manner as possible. I suspect Varys was heavily influenced by this portrayal. Our lead is enjoyable too, coming across as extremely likable and competent, and pulling just short of unbelievability.
The world is established effectively and the feeling of being a Byzantine bureaucrat comes across clearly. People act a lot nicer than they should do, as is common with a lot of novels set in the distant past. Romans were deeply mistrustful of love, regarding it as a dangerous lack of control, so much of his search for emotional satisfaction (and his ability to express that lack) feels a bit of a stretch. That said, the exception that proves the rule is Justinian, who married Theodora to much outrage even though she was a lowly actress and courtesan. So I suppose it runs in the family. And this novel's far from the worst at importing modern preconceptions and values into the ancient world. In general, it hews pretty closely to how the Romans behaved, simply not focusing on their more unpleasant aspects. The structured courtliness is well conveyed, although she envisions this as more of a surface affectation than a structured way of dealing with everyday life. I highly doubt that, but she makes it work here. The point is that the world feels real and lived-in. And for a time it's nice to visit.
December 28, 2021
3,25 sobre 5 estrellas. Esta lectura me ha producido sentimientos muy encontrados.
Empece a leerla por dos motivos: en primer lugar, porque no era la primera vez que cogía algo de Gillian Bradshaw. Hace diez años o así leí “El Faro de Alejandría”, una lectura que a día de hoy sigo recordando con mucho cariño y que tiene un puesto muy alto en mi lista de libros favoritos dentro del género histórico.Y en segundo lugar, porque pensé que iba a ser una lectura fácil, agradable y rápida. Lo de que haya sido los dos primeras adjetivos no se lo voy a negar, aunque sea con algún matiz. Pero, entre que estado liada esta semana, y que ha sido una lectura con la que no he terminado de conectar y que no ha logrado engancharme del todo, he tardado mucho más de lo esperado en acabarlo y ha habido momentos en los que me ha costado seguir con ella.
Creo que lo más destacado de la obra es la capacidad de Gillian Bradshaw para recrear la Constantinopla del siglo VI.D.C. y como era el Imperio Bizantino de la época, con todas sus disputas territoriales, problemas bélicos internos, fronterizos y dinásticos; y su administración cuidada y jerarquizada hasta el más mínimo resquicio. La autora logra transportar al lector a esa época y s ese entorno de una forma increíblemente nítida. Otro aspecto que también he valorado muy positivamente de su obra es la capacidad de Bradshaw de poner al lector en un contexto histórico y dar todo tipo de datos sin que este se agobie o se pierda, haciendo que todo resulte muy fácil de entender a la vez que entretenido y enriquecedor. Se detiene a dar explicaciones cuando es necesario, y lo hace de forma eficaz. Pero también es capaz de permitirle sacar sus propias conclusiones y atar cabos por su propia cuenta, guiándole para que todo sea lo más simple posible. Eso es algo que hace muy disfrutable esta lectura.
De todas formas, lo histórico, aunque importante, no es lo que más peso tiene en está historia. No os dejéis engañar por el titulo. Es cierto que Teodora, emperatriz de Bizancio y esposa del emperador Justiniano, una de las mujeres más importantes, poderosas e interesantes que nos ha legado la antigüedad, es una pieza central en todo el entramado que Bradshaw nos presenta, y el motor de la trama. Se nos dan muchos detalles sobre su biografía y se incide mucho en presentarla como un ser humano con el que es fácil empatizar; llena de talentos y habilidades, sentimientos positivos, un pasado doloroso y gran astucia e inteligencia políticas amen de preocupación por los más desfavorecidos del imperio, pero también llena de defectos como la ambición y el orgullo desmedidos. Pero no, pese a este interesante retrato que se despliega en la paginas de la novela, Teodora no es la protagonista, de hecho la historia solo abarca los últimos años de su vida, no la totalidad de su historia. La novela se centra en Juan, un hijo que aparentemente tuvo durante su juventud, y del que poco más se sabe. Bradshaw usa este hueco histórico para crear una biografía ficticia de este personaje, con el cual veremos los entresijos del gobierno bizantino y sus luchas bélicas y dinásticas, amen que como era la vida en él y su sociedad e historia.
Todo un coctel que prometía una trama llena de giros, conspiraciones y luchas por el poder. Y así ha sido… más o menos. Realmente giros narrativos no hay muchos. Y la autora no los necesita para crear una historia que fluye correctamente, llena de momentos muy interesantes y que hacen que el lector siga leyendo. Al son de la historia bizantina va transcurriendo la de Juan, y nosotros le acompañamos en el camino desde su llegada a Constantinopla mientras va subiendo dentro del palacio y ganando más poder y responsabilidades.
Pero me han faltado varios elementos para que sea una lectura redonda. Para empezar, a parte de Teodora y Narses, ( otro personaje de la obra ha tener muy en cuenta y que regala los mejores diálogos; es el eunuco y gran Chambelán de Justiniano, y una de las figuras más relevantes de su reinado) no hay ningún personaje realmente destacable. A todos, incluido Juan, les he notado faltos de fuerza y de estabilidad, me han resultado muy indiferentes la mayoría, me ha faltado poder conectar con ellos totalmente. Y es una pena, porque Bradshaw presentaba personajes muy interesantes. Pero le ha faltado sacarles más jugo. De hecho, Juan me parece un personaje que ideológica y mentalmente puede que evolucione a lo largo del libro… pero luego en sus actos apenas lo he percibido. Para ser el protagonista es, sin duda alguna, el personaje que menos me ha llamado la atención de todo el libro.
Y por otro lado, me ha parecido que todo lo interesante estaba concentrado en las partes de inicio y del desenlace. La parte central, cuando Juan y Narses van a Tracia a buscar soldados y luchan contra los Eslovenos, no me ha parecido muy interesante y de hecho fue ahí donde se me atraganto totalmente la lectura. Solo sirve para ver como Juan va avanzando en su ascenso al poder y la nobleza y para que veamos lo competente que es y una parte de la historia bizantina que se da lejos de la gran capital. Pero argumentativa mente no le he visto ningún interés, no me ha aportado nada, y no me parece que para lo que es propiamente dicho la trama central de la obra sea realmente vital o aporte algo de Interés aparte de lo que he escrito más arriba . De todas formas, tengo que reconocer que quizás esta impresión se debe a que echo en falta que sea un demás en la figura de Teodora. Cuando cogí el libro pensé que iba a ser una biografía novelada al uso de ella, y luego me he encontrado, como he dicho antes, aunque no es así. Y como ese aspecto es lo que me hubiera gustado encontrar, creo que es lo que más me ha chirriado en toda la lectura. Todo muy subjetivo, no me escondo.
No sé si en otra época de mi vida hubiera disfrutado más este libro. Me da un poco de rabia, porque creo que tenía todos los elementos para hacer una lectura que me gustase mucho más. Y gustarme, lo que es gustarme, sí que lo ha hecho. Pero me ha facto faltado conectar totalmente con todo lo que he leído y con la mayoría de los personajes. No obstante, insisto: Si tengo que quedarme con algo es con la excelente ambientación histórica de y con la forma que tiene Bradshaw de crear una historia bien escrita y con un buen contexto histórico, de forma que resulte muy atractiva para el lector. Y todo de una forma muy sencillita. Ojalá algún que otro escritor del género histórico pudiera aprender de ella.
Empece a leerla por dos motivos: en primer lugar, porque no era la primera vez que cogía algo de Gillian Bradshaw. Hace diez años o así leí “El Faro de Alejandría”, una lectura que a día de hoy sigo recordando con mucho cariño y que tiene un puesto muy alto en mi lista de libros favoritos dentro del género histórico.Y en segundo lugar, porque pensé que iba a ser una lectura fácil, agradable y rápida. Lo de que haya sido los dos primeras adjetivos no se lo voy a negar, aunque sea con algún matiz. Pero, entre que estado liada esta semana, y que ha sido una lectura con la que no he terminado de conectar y que no ha logrado engancharme del todo, he tardado mucho más de lo esperado en acabarlo y ha habido momentos en los que me ha costado seguir con ella.
Creo que lo más destacado de la obra es la capacidad de Gillian Bradshaw para recrear la Constantinopla del siglo VI.D.C. y como era el Imperio Bizantino de la época, con todas sus disputas territoriales, problemas bélicos internos, fronterizos y dinásticos; y su administración cuidada y jerarquizada hasta el más mínimo resquicio. La autora logra transportar al lector a esa época y s ese entorno de una forma increíblemente nítida. Otro aspecto que también he valorado muy positivamente de su obra es la capacidad de Bradshaw de poner al lector en un contexto histórico y dar todo tipo de datos sin que este se agobie o se pierda, haciendo que todo resulte muy fácil de entender a la vez que entretenido y enriquecedor. Se detiene a dar explicaciones cuando es necesario, y lo hace de forma eficaz. Pero también es capaz de permitirle sacar sus propias conclusiones y atar cabos por su propia cuenta, guiándole para que todo sea lo más simple posible. Eso es algo que hace muy disfrutable esta lectura.
De todas formas, lo histórico, aunque importante, no es lo que más peso tiene en está historia. No os dejéis engañar por el titulo. Es cierto que Teodora, emperatriz de Bizancio y esposa del emperador Justiniano, una de las mujeres más importantes, poderosas e interesantes que nos ha legado la antigüedad, es una pieza central en todo el entramado que Bradshaw nos presenta, y el motor de la trama. Se nos dan muchos detalles sobre su biografía y se incide mucho en presentarla como un ser humano con el que es fácil empatizar; llena de talentos y habilidades, sentimientos positivos, un pasado doloroso y gran astucia e inteligencia políticas amen de preocupación por los más desfavorecidos del imperio, pero también llena de defectos como la ambición y el orgullo desmedidos. Pero no, pese a este interesante retrato que se despliega en la paginas de la novela, Teodora no es la protagonista, de hecho la historia solo abarca los últimos años de su vida, no la totalidad de su historia. La novela se centra en Juan, un hijo que aparentemente tuvo durante su juventud, y del que poco más se sabe. Bradshaw usa este hueco histórico para crear una biografía ficticia de este personaje, con el cual veremos los entresijos del gobierno bizantino y sus luchas bélicas y dinásticas, amen que como era la vida en él y su sociedad e historia.
Todo un coctel que prometía una trama llena de giros, conspiraciones y luchas por el poder. Y así ha sido… más o menos. Realmente giros narrativos no hay muchos. Y la autora no los necesita para crear una historia que fluye correctamente, llena de momentos muy interesantes y que hacen que el lector siga leyendo. Al son de la historia bizantina va transcurriendo la de Juan, y nosotros le acompañamos en el camino desde su llegada a Constantinopla mientras va subiendo dentro del palacio y ganando más poder y responsabilidades.
Pero me han faltado varios elementos para que sea una lectura redonda. Para empezar, a parte de Teodora y Narses, ( otro personaje de la obra ha tener muy en cuenta y que regala los mejores diálogos; es el eunuco y gran Chambelán de Justiniano, y una de las figuras más relevantes de su reinado) no hay ningún personaje realmente destacable. A todos, incluido Juan, les he notado faltos de fuerza y de estabilidad, me han resultado muy indiferentes la mayoría, me ha faltado poder conectar con ellos totalmente. Y es una pena, porque Bradshaw presentaba personajes muy interesantes. Pero le ha faltado sacarles más jugo. De hecho, Juan me parece un personaje que ideológica y mentalmente puede que evolucione a lo largo del libro… pero luego en sus actos apenas lo he percibido. Para ser el protagonista es, sin duda alguna, el personaje que menos me ha llamado la atención de todo el libro.
Y por otro lado, me ha parecido que todo lo interesante estaba concentrado en las partes de inicio y del desenlace. La parte central, cuando Juan y Narses van a Tracia a buscar soldados y luchan contra los Eslovenos, no me ha parecido muy interesante y de hecho fue ahí donde se me atraganto totalmente la lectura. Solo sirve para ver como Juan va avanzando en su ascenso al poder y la nobleza y para que veamos lo competente que es y una parte de la historia bizantina que se da lejos de la gran capital. Pero argumentativa mente no le he visto ningún interés, no me ha aportado nada, y no me parece que para lo que es propiamente dicho la trama central de la obra sea realmente vital o aporte algo de Interés aparte de lo que he escrito más arriba . De todas formas, tengo que reconocer que quizás esta impresión se debe a que echo en falta que sea un demás en la figura de Teodora. Cuando cogí el libro pensé que iba a ser una biografía novelada al uso de ella, y luego me he encontrado, como he dicho antes, aunque no es así. Y como ese aspecto es lo que me hubiera gustado encontrar, creo que es lo que más me ha chirriado en toda la lectura. Todo muy subjetivo, no me escondo.
No sé si en otra época de mi vida hubiera disfrutado más este libro. Me da un poco de rabia, porque creo que tenía todos los elementos para hacer una lectura que me gustase mucho más. Y gustarme, lo que es gustarme, sí que lo ha hecho. Pero me ha facto faltado conectar totalmente con todo lo que he leído y con la mayoría de los personajes. No obstante, insisto: Si tengo que quedarme con algo es con la excelente ambientación histórica de y con la forma que tiene Bradshaw de crear una historia bien escrita y con un buen contexto histórico, de forma que resulte muy atractiva para el lector. Y todo de una forma muy sencillita. Ojalá algún que otro escritor del género histórico pudiera aprender de ella.
August 7, 2023
Wonderful historical fiction. I love Bradshaw's style and attention to detail. I trust that her books are accurate to the time period and they are so interesting that I don't want to put them down. This one has Empress Theodora as one of the main characters, and the sideplot discusses the rift between oriental and eastern Orthodox Christianity (monophysites versus not). Highly recommended.
April 13, 2020
6/25/17 : The main character is a fictional son of Empress Theodora. Bradshaw uses the likeable young man to show readers the political/religious realities of sixth century Constantinople. Having also read Harold Lamb's novel, which I recommend with some reservations, I'm somewhat familiar with the background.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_...
Theodora and the Emperor
In her stories set in the historical eastern Mediterranean, Gillian outlines the religious strife of the era, placing it in the background ... here's a quote, first paragraph of chapter two :
" ... The previous night he had noticed a book rack under the icons, and he now examined all its contents. A collection of gospels, a collection of epistles, a psalter; the writings of Basil of Cappadocia ... nothing but theological works. He frowned for a moment; then, at last understanding the purpose of the secret room, he smiled. It was well known in Bostra (where the young man came from in search of his never known mother) that the empress sympathized with the Monophysite theology -- or, as they put it in the eastern province like Arabia, was 'a lover of piety and orthodoxy.' The emperor, however, and most of the population of Constantinople were Dyophysites, adhering to the creed of the council of Chalcedon ('the godless heresy,' as the bishop of Bostra called it, 'which divides the nature of the Most High, and strips from our Lord's mother her honor as the Mother of God.')
'Piety and orthodoxy are proscribed in Constantinople!' the monks shouted in the streets of Bostra. 'Pious and holy monks, godly bishops, are imprisoned and executed by orders of the godless emperor -- unless the sacred empress protects them.' And this was how the sacred empress protected them: secret rooms, private harbors and ships to take them elsewhere, and a personal staff who knew how to be discreet. And, he realized, palace guards who knew what was going on but turned a blind eye. So that, he thought, was why they me in so quickly yesterday."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_...
Theodora and the Emperor
In her stories set in the historical eastern Mediterranean, Gillian outlines the religious strife of the era, placing it in the background ... here's a quote, first paragraph of chapter two :
" ... The previous night he had noticed a book rack under the icons, and he now examined all its contents. A collection of gospels, a collection of epistles, a psalter; the writings of Basil of Cappadocia ... nothing but theological works. He frowned for a moment; then, at last understanding the purpose of the secret room, he smiled. It was well known in Bostra (where the young man came from in search of his never known mother) that the empress sympathized with the Monophysite theology -- or, as they put it in the eastern province like Arabia, was 'a lover of piety and orthodoxy.' The emperor, however, and most of the population of Constantinople were Dyophysites, adhering to the creed of the council of Chalcedon ('the godless heresy,' as the bishop of Bostra called it, 'which divides the nature of the Most High, and strips from our Lord's mother her honor as the Mother of God.')
'Piety and orthodoxy are proscribed in Constantinople!' the monks shouted in the streets of Bostra. 'Pious and holy monks, godly bishops, are imprisoned and executed by orders of the godless emperor -- unless the sacred empress protects them.' And this was how the sacred empress protected them: secret rooms, private harbors and ships to take them elsewhere, and a personal staff who knew how to be discreet. And, he realized, palace guards who knew what was going on but turned a blind eye. So that, he thought, was why they me in so quickly yesterday."
Read
October 17, 2022I enjoyed this novel. It takes a bit of unconfirmed history, that Theodora had a son before she married Justinian and became empress, and weaves it into a story. What is it like to have an empress for a mother? For John, the main character of the novel, it’s a bit like having a fairy godmother—but it comes at a cost, because Theodora is brilliant, powerful, and capable of both generosity and cruelty. I liked the historical setting and the way real events were woven into an entertaining plot. I also liked the characters.
July 18, 2022
En el plano narrativo, me encantó, hacía tiempo que no tenía esa sensación de poder despegarme del libro al leer una novela. En el aspecto histórico, sin perder de vista que se trata de ficción, creo que está bastante bien documentado y sin duda hace despertar la curiosidad por una figura histórica tan carismática. Me divirtió especialmente encontrar grandes paralelismos entre las vidas de Teodora y Evita Perón. De Justiniano solo cabe decir que probablemente fue uno de los emperadores romanos más influyentes, cuyo legado llega hasta hoy en día. Una de las cosas que más llama la atención son las similitudes entre el mundo clásico (preservado en Constantinopla incluso tras el fin de la Edad Antigua) y el contemporáneo; desde luego, las intrigas políticas y el ascenso meritocrático de personajes de baja alcurnia hasta las más altas esferas del poder no casan con la imagen típica que uno podría hacerse de la Alta Edad Media.
June 7, 2016
Ok, but not one of her better books. Her details and history are excellent as usual, and I loved some of the characters, but some of the plot with regard to relationships has become predictable now that I've read enough of her books. Although I loved her main character John, I found the empress and emperor more interesting as historical figures, so I wished there had been more about them.
April 9, 2024
I don't think Gillian Bradshaw has written a bad novel. This is no exception. Tightly plotted and based around a loose truth - the life of the Empress Theodora, the wife of Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire (eastern Roman empire) in the 500s AD, this was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
This novel is mainly set in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and follows the illegitimate son of the Empress as he makes his way to Constantinople and forges a career.
There is some lovely character development of John, the Empress' son, who starts the novel desperately nervous, alone in the world and lacking in confidence, and ends it capable, climbing the ranks and earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues in the Roman world.
There are some lovely set-pieces in the novel, particularly John's flight at Nicopolis, which I read twice for sheer pleasure. What a brilliantly appropriate way to literally introduce the Parthian shot. How many of our cultural references do we owe to the Romans?
If I am forced to criticise, some of the plot points didn't lead anywhere - I would have liked to have found out more about John of Cappadocia for example. But these are tiny criticisms. Another solid and very entertaining novel by the reliable Gillian Bradshaw.
This novel is mainly set in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and follows the illegitimate son of the Empress as he makes his way to Constantinople and forges a career.
There is some lovely character development of John, the Empress' son, who starts the novel desperately nervous, alone in the world and lacking in confidence, and ends it capable, climbing the ranks and earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues in the Roman world.
There are some lovely set-pieces in the novel, particularly John's flight at Nicopolis, which I read twice for sheer pleasure. What a brilliantly appropriate way to literally introduce the Parthian shot. How many of our cultural references do we owe to the Romans?
If I am forced to criticise, some of the plot points didn't lead anywhere - I would have liked to have found out more about John of Cappadocia for example. But these are tiny criticisms. Another solid and very entertaining novel by the reliable Gillian Bradshaw.
May 22, 2019
I thought this was going to be a novel of Theodora, Empress of the Byzantine Empire, reigning with Justin I. She figures prominently in it and makes me want to read more about her, but it's really about one of her illegitimate children, a son she left behind in infancy - John.
An enjoyable read. Bradshaw imagines John (age 24) seeking out the Empress to verify or not, the deathbed confession of his father that Theodora is his mother. Unbelievably, he is received at the palace and the story takes off from there, as the Empress concocts a lie which he goes along with and secures him a position ...the start of a career. John, despite his upbringing as an outsider, is man of decent character & integrity. He manages to navigate his way through his already acquired talent for multiple languages & accounting, the favor of the Empress and a role model in Narses.
My favorite character is Narses, the chamberlain who becomes his "supervisor", mentor & friend.
I liked the epilogue which was more a historical note.
The Beacon of Alexandria is still my favorite of Bradshaw's novel's that I have read.
An enjoyable read. Bradshaw imagines John (age 24) seeking out the Empress to verify or not, the deathbed confession of his father that Theodora is his mother. Unbelievably, he is received at the palace and the story takes off from there, as the Empress concocts a lie which he goes along with and secures him a position ...the start of a career. John, despite his upbringing as an outsider, is man of decent character & integrity. He manages to navigate his way through his already acquired talent for multiple languages & accounting, the favor of the Empress and a role model in Narses.
My favorite character is Narses, the chamberlain who becomes his "supervisor", mentor & friend.
I liked the epilogue which was more a historical note.
The Beacon of Alexandria is still my favorite of Bradshaw's novel's that I have read.
January 3, 2024
Probably more accurate to call this "The Bearkeeper's Grandson"--Theodora is a powerful presence in this book, but it's mainly about her (fictional) son, John. Loved getting to see 6th century Constantinople and there are loads of interesting characters here like Narses and prickly Euphemia, but it doesn't achieve the heights of my all-time favorite The Beacon at Alexandria. John is nice and competent, but that's about it.
May 21, 2019
This classic historical novel about Justinian's time in Constantinople and his wife Theodora was written in 1987. The plot and characters aren't as compelling as in more current works, but the history is well researched and interesting.
January 30, 2017
Set in Constantinople in the the sixth century, this is the story of John, the illegitimate son of the empress Theodora. She was the eponymous bearkeeper's daughter, as well as being a former prostitute and actress who climbed her way out of poverty to become the most powerful woman in the world.
The story begins with John as a young man, arriving at the Byzantine court unexpectedly, not knowing whether his mother will acknowledge him, not even knowing whether she truly is his mother. It's a gamble that might have ended in his execution. Instead, Theodora welcomes him to the court and finds him a position. But on one condition: his identity must remain a secret.
This is a wonderfully engrossing novel. The characters are strongly depicted, the setting vividly evoked, the intrigues and dramas of the Byzantine court convincingly depicted. I devoured this book in a couple of days and all the time that I was reading it I half-believed myself to be living amid the glittering mosaics and bejewelled icons of Justinian and Theodora's court.
The story begins with John as a young man, arriving at the Byzantine court unexpectedly, not knowing whether his mother will acknowledge him, not even knowing whether she truly is his mother. It's a gamble that might have ended in his execution. Instead, Theodora welcomes him to the court and finds him a position. But on one condition: his identity must remain a secret.
This is a wonderfully engrossing novel. The characters are strongly depicted, the setting vividly evoked, the intrigues and dramas of the Byzantine court convincingly depicted. I devoured this book in a couple of days and all the time that I was reading it I half-believed myself to be living amid the glittering mosaics and bejewelled icons of Justinian and Theodora's court.
January 2, 2014
Gillian Bradshaw does a nice job with "Bearkeeper's Daughter" (Houghton Mifflin, $18.95, 310 pages) but it's definitely not a knock-your-reading-glasses-off story about Constantinople in the time of Justinian and Theodora.
The plot moves by the numbers -- the romance is telegraphed from the beginning -- but it's reasonably well done and there's some nice detail about life in the sixth century CE. Bradshaw is a prolific writer, and there are a lot of her books out there, but after reading this one, I have to say I'm not going to track any others down. But if one dropped into my lap on a plane flight, I'd have no problem opening it up to page one.
The plot moves by the numbers -- the romance is telegraphed from the beginning -- but it's reasonably well done and there's some nice detail about life in the sixth century CE. Bradshaw is a prolific writer, and there are a lot of her books out there, but after reading this one, I have to say I'm not going to track any others down. But if one dropped into my lap on a plane flight, I'd have no problem opening it up to page one.
August 31, 2007
An interesting look at Empress Theodora and her husband Emperor Justinian, but what promised to be an excellent book ended up boring me by the end. I was much more interested in Theodora than in her son, who was the narrator and main focus of the story.
October 27, 2025
This was such a slog to get through, as much as I enjoyed the premise and historical background. It took a few separate attempts over the course of a year to finish.
The Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian is one of my favorite time periods, an uncommon setting for novels, and it's evoked skillfully here. As others have said, Theodora isn't the main character, but I didn't mind that--she is a constant force and presence in the background, while the reader's detachment from her maintains a sense of mystique. She is morally gray, sympathetic but not always likeable, much the way I personally imagined her character. And yet, especially for the first 75% or so, this book is quite frankly very dull.
John, the central character, is Theodora's illegitimate son, a stylus-pusher from Bostra who becomes, at her behest, an even greater stylus-pusher in Constantinople. The bulk of the story concerns his rise through the ranks of bureaucracy, categorizing files, making appointments, tracking down tax rolls, and otherwise fulfilling the daily duties of secretary to the court eunuch. A brief foray into battle as commander of some troops in Thrace is hardly less procedural. Moreover, he goes through most of the novel passively and half-heartedly, occasionally questioning his life choices, frequently nauseated by the political intrigues and soulless ambitions of the daily grind. As someone who has worked both in administrative and government jobs, I can confess to the realism of this portrayal, but I'm not sure it makes for compelling reading.
In the last quarter or so of the book, a good Constantinopolitan riot and some romantic conflict finally come into play. The climactic scenes are strong, though John's ultimate decision on what to do with his life is made partly through a deus ex machina. He does show some initiative, but it still felt as if the choice was made too easy for him.
Another thing I didn't particularly like was the use of the omniscient viewpoint, sometimes changing POV on a single page. Most of the novel is told through John's eyes and I didn't see why it was necessary to deviate from that at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the history and would recommend this book if you're interested in an immersive look at Constantinople in the 6th century. Just be prepared to channel your inner government secretary and slog through many dry, perfunctory passages.
The Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian is one of my favorite time periods, an uncommon setting for novels, and it's evoked skillfully here. As others have said, Theodora isn't the main character, but I didn't mind that--she is a constant force and presence in the background, while the reader's detachment from her maintains a sense of mystique. She is morally gray, sympathetic but not always likeable, much the way I personally imagined her character. And yet, especially for the first 75% or so, this book is quite frankly very dull.
John, the central character, is Theodora's illegitimate son, a stylus-pusher from Bostra who becomes, at her behest, an even greater stylus-pusher in Constantinople. The bulk of the story concerns his rise through the ranks of bureaucracy, categorizing files, making appointments, tracking down tax rolls, and otherwise fulfilling the daily duties of secretary to the court eunuch. A brief foray into battle as commander of some troops in Thrace is hardly less procedural. Moreover, he goes through most of the novel passively and half-heartedly, occasionally questioning his life choices, frequently nauseated by the political intrigues and soulless ambitions of the daily grind. As someone who has worked both in administrative and government jobs, I can confess to the realism of this portrayal, but I'm not sure it makes for compelling reading.
In the last quarter or so of the book, a good Constantinopolitan riot and some romantic conflict finally come into play. The climactic scenes are strong, though John's ultimate decision on what to do with his life is made partly through a deus ex machina. He does show some initiative, but it still felt as if the choice was made too easy for him.
Another thing I didn't particularly like was the use of the omniscient viewpoint, sometimes changing POV on a single page. Most of the novel is told through John's eyes and I didn't see why it was necessary to deviate from that at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the history and would recommend this book if you're interested in an immersive look at Constantinople in the 6th century. Just be prepared to channel your inner government secretary and slog through many dry, perfunctory passages.
May 19, 2024
Puntuación: 6,5 / 10 – 3,25 estrellas de 5
Hay quien quiere dinero, hay quien quiere poder… pero el poder ya te dará todas las riquezas.
En este libro nos situamos en Bizancio, en los tiempos de Justiniano, para acercarnos a lo que podría haber sido (o no) la vida como emperatriz de Teodora Augusta.
En realidad, es la historia de Juan, un joven relacionado con la Augusta que nos mostrará cómo era ella, la relación que tenía con su marido, las funciones del chambelán del emperador y algunas de las batallas más importantes de la época.
Mientras se suceden las conversaciones, se presentan párrafos de pensamientos y sensaciones de los personajes que pueden llegar a entorpecer un poco la lectura, si bien están hechos para que el lector actual comprenda lo que se esconde debajo de ciertas formalidades bizantinas.
En general, los acontecimientos me han parecido precipitados en todo momento y Juan es ese protagonista que no aporta demasiado. Su forma de ver la vida en relación con sus posibilidades, a pesar de comprenderle, me ha parecido excesivamente pasiva. Daban ganas de agitarle en algún momento y decirle que despertara.
Las referencias a Teodora la describen como astuta, ambiciosa, inteligente… Toda una mujer empoderada que supo hacerse a sí misma.
La lectura se hace amena y las últimas páginas, las que más tensión llevan, son las que mejoran la obra considerablemente. Hay cuestiones que quedan en el aire y es previsible en ciertos aspectos, pero se disfruta igual.
Hay quien quiere dinero, hay quien quiere poder… pero el poder ya te dará todas las riquezas.
En este libro nos situamos en Bizancio, en los tiempos de Justiniano, para acercarnos a lo que podría haber sido (o no) la vida como emperatriz de Teodora Augusta.
En realidad, es la historia de Juan, un joven relacionado con la Augusta que nos mostrará cómo era ella, la relación que tenía con su marido, las funciones del chambelán del emperador y algunas de las batallas más importantes de la época.
Mientras se suceden las conversaciones, se presentan párrafos de pensamientos y sensaciones de los personajes que pueden llegar a entorpecer un poco la lectura, si bien están hechos para que el lector actual comprenda lo que se esconde debajo de ciertas formalidades bizantinas.
En general, los acontecimientos me han parecido precipitados en todo momento y Juan es ese protagonista que no aporta demasiado. Su forma de ver la vida en relación con sus posibilidades, a pesar de comprenderle, me ha parecido excesivamente pasiva. Daban ganas de agitarle en algún momento y decirle que despertara.
Las referencias a Teodora la describen como astuta, ambiciosa, inteligente… Toda una mujer empoderada que supo hacerse a sí misma.
La lectura se hace amena y las últimas páginas, las que más tensión llevan, son las que mejoran la obra considerablemente. Hay cuestiones que quedan en el aire y es previsible en ciertos aspectos, pero se disfruta igual.
December 28, 2021
A splendid and brazen tale about Empress Theodora’s illegitimate son. I considered The Bearkeeper’s Daughter as one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve ever read! Although the title is misleading as it didn’t tell the story of Empress Theodora but her illegitimate son instead, who was conceived before Theodora met and married Justinian, still, this book is worth reading. While the story of John of Bostra is a fictive one, the period that this story was based on and the roles of the other historical characters were pretty much accurate. I’m particularly fond of how Bradshaw portrayed Narses, the wise, fearless, and absolutely loyal eunuch who became some sort of tutor to John when he was particularly feeling lost in the labyrinth of Byzantine bureaucracy.
Gillian Bradshaw is a talented writer and definitely a very knowledgeable historian. The Great Palace of Constantinople was depicted with great detail. I also obtained interesting insight into the customs of the Heruls, the Germanic tribe whom Narses tried to recruit. Theodora didn’t appear much in this book but her presence was very strongly felt as everything John of Bostra did, he did to please his empress mother.
This is a splendid book! and quite a brazen one just like Procopius’ Secret History. A wholesome five stars for the Bearkeeper's Daughter!
Gillian Bradshaw is a talented writer and definitely a very knowledgeable historian. The Great Palace of Constantinople was depicted with great detail. I also obtained interesting insight into the customs of the Heruls, the Germanic tribe whom Narses tried to recruit. Theodora didn’t appear much in this book but her presence was very strongly felt as everything John of Bostra did, he did to please his empress mother.
This is a splendid book! and quite a brazen one just like Procopius’ Secret History. A wholesome five stars for the Bearkeeper's Daughter!
September 11, 2021
It's a strange title, because the Bearkeeper's Daughter is not the main character of this richly researched novel set in sixth-century Byzantium. Yet she so overshadows the entire story it's entirely appropriate that it should be named for her.
On his deathbed, John's father tells him an astonishing secret: his mother, once an actress and a prostitute, is now the empress of Byzantium. Ostracised by his brothers who, because they are of legitimate birth, want him to serve them as little more than a slave, he sets off to see the empress. Will she acknowledge him or will she have him killed for presumption?
Theodora sees a chance: her husband Justinian cannot give her children and this bastard-born son might be able to inherit the empire, if only he's intelligent enough. She secretly sets him up to learn the running of empire by putting him in the demanding role of secretary to the imperial chamberlain. He excels in this role but dreams of becoming an army officer. And when Theodora's machinations come to light, it becomes apparent there's one thing she never took into consideration: John simply doesn't have the ambition or the ruthless attitude needed to prevent every possible rival for the throne from ascending to it.
On his deathbed, John's father tells him an astonishing secret: his mother, once an actress and a prostitute, is now the empress of Byzantium. Ostracised by his brothers who, because they are of legitimate birth, want him to serve them as little more than a slave, he sets off to see the empress. Will she acknowledge him or will she have him killed for presumption?
Theodora sees a chance: her husband Justinian cannot give her children and this bastard-born son might be able to inherit the empire, if only he's intelligent enough. She secretly sets him up to learn the running of empire by putting him in the demanding role of secretary to the imperial chamberlain. He excels in this role but dreams of becoming an army officer. And when Theodora's machinations come to light, it becomes apparent there's one thing she never took into consideration: John simply doesn't have the ambition or the ruthless attitude needed to prevent every possible rival for the throne from ascending to it.
October 16, 2023
The "bearkeeper's daughter" in question is Empress Theodora, a former actress and prostitute before Justinian (later emperor) married her and raised her to the purple. The protagonist of this novel is her illegitimate son (rumored to exist but nothing more in real history), who shows up at the palace in hopes of discovering his roots and gets raised to high position (by her) himself.
Bradshaw again paints interesting characters, coloring Theodora and Justinian even more vividly than our protagonist. But what really stood out to me here is her complicated view of the Empire. Our protagonist doesn't like Constantinople and doesn't like the moral compromises involved in imperial rule - but he, and everyone else, do like the Empire as a whole both as a place of peace and as an imperial culture. They do see the contradiction involved, even though different characters resolve it differently.
Bradshaw again paints interesting characters, coloring Theodora and Justinian even more vividly than our protagonist. But what really stood out to me here is her complicated view of the Empire. Our protagonist doesn't like Constantinople and doesn't like the moral compromises involved in imperial rule - but he, and everyone else, do like the Empire as a whole both as a place of peace and as an imperial culture. They do see the contradiction involved, even though different characters resolve it differently.
April 29, 2020
Teodora Emperatriz de Bizancio es el título que inicia una fascinante trilogía de novelas históricas en la que Gillian Bradshaw reconstruye los asuntos de la política del Imperio bizantino en una de sus épocas más gloriosas bajo la égida de Justiniano I. Teodora fue todo un personaje femenino que marcó su época con su estilo, personalidad, inteligencia y fino olfato político con ideas adelantadas a su tiempo, ideas innovadoras que las convirtió en ley sobretodo en materia de género para la protección de la mujer en el matrimonio, divorcio y adulterio. La obra, con rigurosa investigación por parte de la autora, recoge y recrea pasajes insospechados de su vida a través de la arrolladora carrera de su hijo bastardo Juan a quien la emperatriz acogió y dio protección tras revelar su identidad. Imprescindible.
October 19, 2025
Una notable novela, bien estructurada con pasajes brillantes y personajes bien construidos. Quizás la ausencia de algunas descripciones sobre la ciudad de Constantinopla, o el contexto social de las guerras entre facciones pueda ser la única pega. La habilidad de la autora para ir desgranando poco a poco la vida de Teodora es muy interesante. El lector no debe esperar una biografía de Teodora, el personaje principal es un hijo bastardo llamado Juan, pero sin duda la novela queda eclipsada por el personaje de Narses el eunuco. Este libro me ha reconciliado con el género de la novela historica después de varios fiascos.
September 12, 2017
Rating:3.75 This is a tough one .. while I really did like the book, my main issue is this wasn't really about the Bearkeepers daughter! I wanted to learn more about Empress Theodora, but it was very superficial. Instead, It was more about John & Narses. I very much enjoyed their characters but I wanted to know more of her. Last but not least I left still not understanding what she thought of John or him of her. I mean truly thought. I know information is vague, but the Author should've clearly pointed one way or another with the fictional opportunity provided.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
This book felt more awkwardly written than the other two books I've read from Gillian Bradshaw. John came across as helpless in the way he was written but managed to be good at doing literally every task he was given. The relationships between the characters were predictable and choppy. Overall I did enjoy reading the book, but it wouldn't come up in recommendations.
September 13, 2022
A well-researched & written novel about the Empress Theodora of Byzantium. As usual Bradshaw created credible characters & situations, placing her characters in positions where they must evaluate the choices available yo them in light of their own ethics. The eunuch general Narses is especially well-realized.
December 4, 2019
Gripped me from the beginning. I would have given 5 stars, but I’m uncertain it has universal appeal. For me, it was absolutely perfect!!!! If you enjoy early Christian history, theological controversy, and palace intrigue, this book is for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews