Theodora (39 page)

Author’s Note and Acknowledgements

It goes without saying that this is a work of fiction – but I’ll say it anyway. While Theodora was a very real person, like most women of history, her story has been hidden, watered down and in some cases (Procopius!) certainly exaggerated; all of which makes her ripe for fiction. And while I’ve done my best to offer a real setting – historically, geographically, politically – what personally excites me is the story and so there are inevitably moments where historical accuracy has been sacrificed for plot or pace or character. I’m a novelist, not a historian, and this book makes no claims to be the one true story – just a story.

There are many people who have helped with this new leap in my work, from those in Ravenna who proudly showed off their Eighth Wonder of the World, to those in London who made all the right noises when I first gave them my Theodora précis. Specifically, I also owe great thanks to: Antonia Hodgson, Zoe Gullen, Beth Humphries and everyone at Virago and Little, Brown, along with my agents Stephanie Cabot and Lucinda Prain, all wonderfully enthusiastic Theodorans. Chiara de Stefani and Nevio Galeati, Paolo Pingani, Giancarlo Daissè, Federica Angelini, Mariacristina Savioli of the Gialla Luno Nero Notte, Ravenna, who gave me the mosaics and a great time. Rehan Kularatne, who would make a splendid RA guide. Manda Scott, who made ‘writing history’ a little less scary. Shelley Silas, who
has had to live with Theodora for far too long now. And the Board, as ever. A special thank you to Brooks of SE24 who showed me the magic garden and then said of the Theodora on his mantelpiece, ‘Ask her questions, she will give you answers.’ Maybe some of those answers are here.