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Synopsis
Haraldr Siguardson, a dispossesed Viking prince, journeys to the cosmopolitation court of eleventh-century Constantinople, in an evocative rendering of the opulence, complexity, and colorful people of the Byzantine Empire
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From Publishers Weekly
The hero of this long, densely written saga is the dispossessed Viking prince Haraldr Sigurdarson, a real historical figure who participated in the power struggles of the Byzantine Empire, where he served incognito as an imperial bodyguard. Most of the other characters are plucked from history too, among them vain Empress Zoe and her vacillating, guilt-ridden emperor husband; the power-mad monk Joannes, Theodora, Constantine and fiery Maria of the Robes. Journalist Ennis, whose first novel this is, elaborates on actual historic events to create a mosaic of conspiracies and betrayals, sexual excess, battle scenes. Yet beneath the chic, glittery decadence he rings changes on time-worn themes: the redeeming power of love, lust for power versus statecraft, the conflict between desire and duty. Readers undeterred by the overly ornate prose and long descriptive passages may take to this 11th-century debauch. The dialogue, at times stilted, is now and then wonderfully theatrical. In their cynicism, closeness to death and philosophy of living for the moment, these Byzantines have a contemporary feel.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Ennis's first novel memorably evokes the panoply, wars, plots, wealth, poverty, and curious commingling of Christianity and paganism in the 11th-century Byzantine empire. Based on historical events and personages, it centers on Harald Sigurdarson, a Norse prince who flees his homeland to end up leading mercenaries in Constantinople. Caught between rival factions, he is drawn to Maria, the sensual Mistress of the Robes whose dreams link their destinies. Vivid imagery is employed whether describing shipboard battles or the grisly details of ritualistic torture and execution at which the monks prove as adept as the "barbarians." Although the novel could have benefited from judicious pruning, it provides many hours of enjoyable, suspenseful reading. Highly recommended for historical fiction collections.
- Ellen Kaye Stoppel, Drake Univ. Law Lib., Des Moines, Ia.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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- PublisherAtlantic Monthly Press
- Publication date1989
- ISBN 10 0871132753
- ISBN 13 9780871132758
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages768
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Atlantic Monthly Press, 1989
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ISBN 13: 9780871132758
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