Justinian

In case you didn't know, H.N. Turtletaub is actually Harry Turtledove. Besides being one of the best and foremost science fiction/alternative "what-if" history writers of all time, Turtledove also happens to have a degree in Byzantine Studies. Whereas in the past Turtledove has utilized his knowledge of Eastern Roman --Byzantine-- history, giving us THESSALONICA and the excellent AGENT OF BYZANTIUM, as well as the VIDESSOS series which relied much on Byzantine elements, JUSTINIAN is his first historical novel about an historical figure in his proper time period minus any twists of fantasy. This is a work of fiction written as an autobiography of the Emperor of the Romans, Justinian II (685-695/705-711). Turtledove gives no slack to Justinian, who very much deserves the term "anti-hero." Coming across as spiteful, arrogant, self-centered; Justinian's only admirable quality seems to be his determination to succeed, overcoming even the mutilation of his nose --traditionally a certain impediment to anyone ever attaining the title of emperor (basileus)-- and exile to return and reclaim his throne. This was a major feat and Turtledove uses this device to keep even those of us who are familiar with the emperor's historical fate engrossed in the story. Since Justinian II was such an unsympathetic figure, Turtledove creates the likable character of Myakes, Justinian's personal bodyguard since boyhood. Turtledove breaks up Justinian's monologue, making it a manuscript which is being read to Myakes, now an old man who was blinded and living in a monastery, by a fellow monk. Myakes' interruptions and commentary throughout the reading add levity as well as passion to an otherwise cynical and vile narrative. Justinian's narcissistic ego rarely affords us a glimpse of the many popes, patriarchs, generals or just about anyone else he comes into contact with. Justinian is too consumed by his own self-image and ambitions to care about anyone else in his story. Myakes' passages help to better enhance and round out these people, as well as to tone down the self-aggrandizement and one-sided vision of the emperor himself. I also appreciate the historian in Turtledove for accurately presenting the so-called "Byzantine Empire" as the legitimate continuation of the Roman Empire and to show Western readers that it was Constantinople that truly saved Europe from the Arab/Muslim advance (until 1453 when the Turks conquered the city and finally brought to an end the line of the Roman Emperors).

The story of Justinian II, Emperor of the Romans, is done justice here and makes for one great epic. Turtletaub is better known as sci-fi writer, Harry Turtledove. This book should interest anyone who is interested in the Byzantine Empire, the Early Middle Ages, or just anyone who likes a good story centered around a self-important mean-spitit who is consumed with a lust for power and revenge.

I have never read any of Harry Turtledove's works of alternative history because, as a history buff, I could never quite bring myself to spend time reading about "what might have been". I find "what was" more than entertaining enough. I regard historical fiction however - if it stays within known historical fact and only fictionalizes conversations, motives, and minor characters (and even then sparingly) - as different, more like pure history. So when I saw this book of apparent historical fiction by Turtledove, I was intrigued enough to try it. I'm glad I did. I found the book totally fascinating and extremely well-written. Of course, as I do with all historical fiction, I researched the subject enough to determine how faithful the author was to actual events. Although generally available reference works are somewhat light on Justinian II, everything I was able to find agreed perfectly with the book. The book totally absorbed every hour I didn't spend sleeping, eating, or working. Will I now turn to Turtledove's alternative history? I doubt it. But I sure hope he writes more historical fiction!

Justinian, the emperor, was not a nice man. Vain and self indulgent, he was overthrown and sent into exile. And while the reader may feel that he has gotten his due, this is only the first part of the story. The real fascinating part of the book is watching him plot and then execute his return to power. The reader will not identify with this character but can't help but be drawn in by his long term revenge plotting. What finally happens to him I will leave for the reader to discover, but the journey we take with this man, from childhood to his bitter end, is richly detailed and plotted, and will keep the reader entrhalled.

Justinian. Simply put, he became the man the Byzantines loved to hate. H.N. Turteltaub tells the poignant and fascinating tale of the boy destined to inherit the Eastern Roman Empire from his father, the Emperor Constantine. Justinian was born into a family legacy of empirical rule that had lasted over eighty years. During his reign he not only lost, but regained his throne while enduring a bitter journey that included great physical and mental trials which would ultimately shape the future of his empire and his lineage. An adeptly told tale of one man's aspiration to glory and power and, subsequently, his paranoid descent into dementia.I would recommend Justinian to readers wishing to learn about the history and glory of the Byzantine Empire. It piqued my interest in the Byzantines and was a good segue into other detailed historical fiction (i.e. the Byzantium Trilogy by J. Norwich)