She did a somewhat decent job of describing how this issue was so important at that time that 'spiritual and Pius' individuals would immerse themselves head deep in 'sin' to further their agendas. Duffy also did a admirable job of discussing the nature of Christ and how the schism between dual and singular natured philosophies tore at the fabric of an empire. I got the point right away that culturally, at that time in Constantinople, pedophilia was culturally permissible and that there was a belief that earthly deeds were not necessarily a reflection of spiritual piety. I am not the type of person who 'rubber necks' at car wrecks so the constant graphic mention of minors being used for actors, acrobats and whores grated on me. Clearly Duffy did a tremendous amount of research on Theodora, Constantinople, the Romans, the Roman empire and the society of that time period and it was this that kept me listening despite Duffy's lack of better vocabulary and fixation on sexual mores of that period. I was a bit disappointed by Stella Duffy constant and vulgar use of the word and found it redundant and distracting. I found the concept of using the fictional novel format to describe a historical time and person intriguing.

I'd want to understand what went through her mind and how she coped. She was a dwarf and a woman who found a way to make her life in spite of her social and physical constraints. If you could take any character from Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore out to dinner, who would it be and why? What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?ĭavina was one of my attractions to this book she is a masterful narrator. Theodora's requisite service as a sex worker was treated even-handedly I'll always remember the scene where she matter of factly paid her way from the hinterlands to Egypt by servicing two young shepherds who let her ride in their cart.I related to the description of how she disassociated her spirit and body throughout, and how she brought the two together through her time in the desert as penitent. The entire book poignantly showed how few options women have for autonomy in a patriarchy. What was one of the most memorable moments of Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore? I was initially concerned that perhaps the sexual aspects of Theodora's life would be exploited, and was relieved by the lack of graphic detail. Funny how many of the religious and social issues explored in the book remain unresolved some 2000 years later. The author illustrated the mindsets of the day, the religious and social questions that vexed most everyone and how people in intolerable social situations made their lives. Important period of history breathed into life through the lens of Theodora's life. Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Theodora by Stella Duffy