Imperial Passions: The Porta Aurea by Eileen Stephenson

 

Name of Book: Imperial Passions: The Porta Aurea

Author: Eileen Stephenson

ISBN: 9780999690703

Publisher: Self published

Part of a Series: Prequel to Imperial Passions: The Great Palace

Type of book: Byzantium, 1039-1050s, daily life, growing up, control, manipulation, Empress Zoe and Empress Theodora, the Great Schism, rule, monarchy, debts, finances, family, friendships, closeness 

Year it was published: 2018

Summary:

At the center of Byzantine society, fifteen-year old orphaned Anna Dalassena lives with her grandparents among the most powerful men and women in Constantinople. But the cutthroat politics of the Great Palace sends the family into exile in a distant corner of the empire. Her bleak situation finally turns promising after meeting a handsome young soldier, John Comnenus, and his brother Isaac, before they are finally permitted to return home.

The vicious power struggles, uprisings, and betrayals at the highest levels of the empire push Anna and John unwillingly into its center as they struggle to deal with their own tragedies. When rebellion puts her life and those of everyone she loves at risk, is the reward-- a throne for her family--too big a gamble?

Characters:

Main character includes Anna Dalessena, a young intelligent woman who is very resourceful, talented, determined and very observant as well as someone who is unafraid and is willing to learn necessary lessons. I also recall Anna's grandfather and grandmother who have modeled a wonderful and loving relationship towards her and who have taught her a lot of valuable lessons in life, be it running a household or the importance of having a sharp mind. Her true love, John Comnenus, is very loyal to his brother and will do whatever he can for him.( how wonderful to discover a sibling relationship where there is support instead of discord!)  He is also accepting of Anna and lets her exercise her talents a great deal. There are plenty of other characters as well as plenty of fascinating  personalities that will take too long to explain.  

Theme:

I think main lesson would be is to not underestimate people, or else not all of Europe was the same 

Plot:

The story is told in first person narrative from Anna Dalessenas point of view. The story begins in 1039 and ends sometime in 1050s, and begins with the end of Empress Zoes reign and then covers what happened after both Empresses Zoe and Theodora passed away. While the two women ruled, a lot of maneuvering and power plays have occurred. More than anything, this shows the daily life of a woman who lived during that time and place and I am surprised that despite some limitations, Anna wasn't restricted to knowledge and power due to gender. ( at one point she begins to be in control of her husbands estates and even finds out necessary information.) 

Author Information:
(From goodreads)

I developed my interest in the Byzantines after reading John Julius Norwich's "A Short History of Byzantium", a delightful introduction to Byzantine history.

If you enjoyed these stories, please check out my website, eileenstephenson.com for the one I call the Missing Story - The Blinding of Roussel. It's the story of a Byzantine soldier of the 11th century.

Opinion:

When I began college, one of the first classes I ever took was about Crusades. And it's during that class that I have heard of the formidable Alexius Comnenus who dared to manipulate crusaders and who is often a mind reader. Considering how influential Greek and Byzantium empires were to Russia, it's a shame that so little is known about it, in particular the 11th century. While this book doesn't discuss Alexius Comnenus' deeds or reign, it does discuss his mother's growth from a formidable teenage girl to an influential wife that has to make do with finances, servants, family, etc. Interestingly enough, I had some familiarity with Byzantium history at the time thanks to THE VARANGIAN by Bruce Mcbain. I really enjoyed my travel through this time and place and couldn't help but compare Byzantium to western Europe at the time. For the reader seeking something different from the medieval ages of Europe, check Imperial Passions for how the other side of Europe lives during 11th century. 

This was given for review 

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)