THEODORA: ACTRESS, EMPRESS, WHORE tells the story of one of the most celebrated women of the Byzantine-era. Theodora rose to power from obscurity after she married Emperor Justinian. Stella Duffy brings to life Theodora's unsavory past growing up the daughter of a bear-catcher and later becoming a notorious actress and prostitute in Constantinople's infamous brothel, The Hippodrome and at the popular theater, the Kynegion.

Theodora was the middle child of a circus family. Her older sister, Comito, distinguished herself as singer. Anastasia's beauty would require no special skill to single her out from her older sisters. Although Theodora would feel the sting of not having her older sister's angelic voice or the great beauty of her younger sister, her best qualities would take her from the life of an actress and prostitute to becoming the most powerful woman in Constantinople.

Theodora's early life was marked by loss and an early introduction into theater life. The future empress must endure physical abuse and accept the harsh life of a prostitute. After years of performances at the popular brothel, The Hippodrome, Theodora would create a reputation for herself as a performer and prostitute. Her skills as a lover, dark humor, and the ability to manipulate any situation to her advantage would make Theodora's name a household word in Constantinople and beyond. But Theodora's rise to stardom would come at a price.

When Hecebolus, a handsome young man on his way to Africa offers Theodora the chance to escape her life in the theater, Theodora believes herself in love for the first time. But Theodora's life with Hecebolus will show her that love is fleeting and even the closest of friends can betray you. While in Africa, Theodora experiences a religious epiphany which will transform her from a public performer to a woman worthy of an emperor.

Theodora's return to the city creates a stir among old friends who considered her abrupt departure a betrayal. But Theodora is no longer the woman who accepts beatings and coins for her body. Theodora returns with a sense of redemption and a new quest - to get close to the man who is rumored to be named the next emperor, Justinian. But Justinian is a stoic man more interested in books and matters of state than pleasures of the flesh. However, Theodora has made promises to those who sheltered her during her darkest hours. She must insinuate herself into Justinian's life in order to fulfill her promise and claim her destiny.

Anyone interested in Byzantine history will be in awe of this mesmerizing tale of a Byzantine empress. Stella Duffy spares no details when fleshing out Theodora's character. The future empress' nonchalant attitude towards using sex as a means to an end is prevalent throughout the novel, but I felt the novel focused more on Theodora's life as an actress and prostitute. Justinian also plays a very small role in this novel. I would have liked to see the author devote an equal amount of time to Theodora's role as Justinian's empress and developed their relationship a bit further.

THEODORA: ACTRESS, EMPRESS, WHORE vividly brings to life in Byzantine Constantinople. Stella Duffy deserves praise for her historical accuracy backed up by an impressive bibliography.