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The Emperor's Babe

From the Booker prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other
3.65 goodreads logo

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( 4,311 ratings, 543 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Emperor's Babe by Bernardine Evaristo is a vivid historical fiction novel that follows Zuleika, a spirited young girl of Sudanese descent living in third-century AD Roman London. The story explores her life as she navigates the complexities of marriage to an older, wealthy Roman and her journey towards self-discovery within the cultural and social constraints of the era. Evaristo's lyrical narrative brings ancient Londinium to life through Zuleika's unique and humorous perspective.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by ancient history with a modern twist, as it explores the life of a feisty young woman in Roman London, blending poetry with drama and humour. It appeals to readers who appreciate unique narratives and vivid storytelling that bring historical characters to life with contemporary flair.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The smart, sassy coming-of-age story from the Booker prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other - now a Penguin Essential.

Meet Zuleika: sassy girl about town, former child bride, A-list Roman babe, and black immigrant in ancient Londinium. She knows this city like the back of her hand - its squalor and bustle, its slum tenements and sumptuous villas. But she doesn't know how it feels to fall in love.

Sold in marriage to a rich, fat Roman, stranded in luxurious neglect with only slaves and sex workers for company, it's not long before Zuleika is up to no good. And one day, when the Roman Emperor himself strolls into town and catches her eye, the trouble really starts...

Irresistibly funny and whip-smart, this is a deeply relatable coming-of-age tale with a surprising historical twist.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Emperor's Babe by Bernardine Evaristo receives praise for its imaginative and readable narrative, described as a blend of historical fact and fiction. It's lauded for portraying a compelling heroine against the backdrop of ancient Roman Londinium, with a vibrant and racy storytelling style. The book is portrayed as an innovative tale told in verse, capturing the essence of the era while remaining relevant for modern readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241989845

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 July 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 112.0mm

Height: 180.0mm

Weight: 151g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Bernardine Evaristo, MBE, is the award-winning author of eight books of fiction and verse fiction that explore aspects of the African diaspora. Her novel Girl, Woman, Other made her the first black woman to win the Booker Prize in 2019, as well winning the Fiction Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards in 2020, where she also won Author of the Year, and the Indie Book Award. She also became the first woman of colour and black British writer to reach No.1 in the UK paperback fiction chart in 2020. Her writing spans reviews, essays, drama and radio, and she has edited and guest-edited national publications, including The Sunday Time's Style magazine. Her other awards and honours include an MBE in 2009. Bernardine is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University, London, and President of the Royal Society of Literature. She lives in London with her husband. www.bevaristo.com

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