Far Away Bird

By: Douglas A Burton

Narrated by: Mary Sarah

Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Inspired by true events, Far Away Bird delves into the complex mind of Byzantine Empress Theodora. This intimate account deftly follows her rise from actress-prostitute in Constantinople’s red-light district to the throne of the Byzantine Empire. 

Her salacious past has left historians blushing and uncomfortable. Tales of her shamelessness have survived for centuries, and yet her accomplishments as an empress are unparalleled. Theodora goes on to influence sweeping reforms that result in some of the first ever Western laws granting women freedom and protection. More than a millennium before the women’s rights movement, Theodora, alone, took on the world’s greatest superpower and succeeded. Far Away Bird goes where history classrooms fear to tread, in hopes that Theodora can finally take her seat among the greatest women in history.

Follow young Theodora through the scintillating and violent world of Byzantium. From the brothels to the bathhouses to the spectacular chariot races in the Hippodrome - her role in society seemed hopeless. But when she’s trained as a political spy, the lessons on personal power transform Theodora into the stuff of empresses. She seems impossible - yet her transcendence teaches us that society can’t tell us who we are deep down. Before there was a legendary empress, there was a conflicted young woman from the lower classes.

And her name was Theodora.

©2020 Douglas A. Burton (P)2020 Douglas A. Burton

Very good story

Very good story keeps the reader very engaged no un interesting parts if you like that. Part of history would recommend this book

Brilliant Visual Story Teller!

I've always been drawn to historical fictions, but this is by far my favorite. I LOVE this book! Douglas A Burton is a brilliant visual story teller who weaves a believable, yet extraordinary masterpiece with his use of characters, music, historical events, circumstance, creativity, drama and more - tantalizing all the senses! He is so talented! The narrator's voice was captivating, providing the perfect option for my lifestyle. The writing, brought to life by the narrator, immediately drew me in. Theodora, the well deserved star of this novel, is a victim, and a seemingly powerless young woman destined to a life of bringing pleasure to others to survive. Living in the underbelly of Constantinople during the 6th century, Theodora becomes "notorious" for her exotic performances, but secretly trains to use her powers of persuasion in a purposeful way. Eventually, Theodora begins to see beneath her scars and tap into the spirit she once knew as a child. However, it isn't until she risks everything to spare a young girl from the life she decided to leave behind, that Theodora fully awakens her inner strength, taking life into her own hands without compromise. I'm enamored with Theodora's resilience, bravery, leadership and passion for creating more rights for women. Douglas A Burton has written an inspirational, compelling story that I didn't want to see end. I can't wait to read more about all that Theodora will do now that she has found her wings!

An indomitable spirit

This was the first time I ever read a book on Kindle while at the same time listening to it on Audible. It actually added a new dimension; absorbing the book through my ears as well as my eyes enhanced the experience. Although it takes longer to get from beginning to end because I had to allow for pauses and articulation of the words, it was richer and more satisfying to my brain. And this was a very long book. We are thrust deep into the trials of this girl whose world is turned upside down after the death of her father. Life in Constantinople is unkind to widows and orphans, and Theodora learns the hard way how to survive in a world that chews up women and throws them into the gutter. She has a long and treacherous journey to discover her inner strengths, and even then she doesn’t quite get it right. Prostitution seems to be the only answer, though this leads her to a higher calling—a spy for the Blues, the political faction that has saved her from destitution. And who among the Blues is responsible for her promotion (if you could call it that)? Justinian, of course:

"Theodora blinked. This was the man who had taken on a legion of Greens with his voice and words, and now as they stood in the dimly lit fornice, he set his voice and words against Theodora. Whatever flutters of girlishness that lingered in her stomach now faded. She managed a nod. 'I understand.'
'Because some girls collapse under the pressures of the post,' he said. 'A relentless fear of getting caught can break a person. I don’t want to put you through that hell. I need a certain kind of woman.'
She saw that he looked at her as if searching for something in her eyes, some quality. 'I think I can be that kind of woman, Magister Justinian,' said Theodora. 'What exactly are you asking of me?'
'To deliberately betray powerful men who trust you. These men will have high imperial stations, and they’ll tell you things in confidence that you’ll turn around and tell me. If these men discover who you are or what you’re doing, you could be killed. I want you to let that settle in because I can’t afford any confusion. This is a deadly profession that won’t allow second thoughts once you’ve committed.'"

Not a terribly auspicious start, is it? Of course, we all know that she eventually becomes empress, so their mutual attraction must win out. But she is a nobody and he is a high ranking aristocrat, so it seems impossible that they could come to any kind of partnership. When things get too risky between them, she takes another post in another country and tries to forget him. But no, that is not her destiny. What she does discover about herself is an implacable need to defend the weak and defenseless—to fight for the rights of women and stand up to their persecutors. She gets help along the way, and her indomitable spirit carries her through every travail. This book is uncomfortable at times, and the reader must squirm through some mighty disagreeable incidents before she comes out on top. I was waiting for her to become empress, but by about 70% of the way through, I realized this wasn’t going to happen. Frankly, although this was a very good and intense read, I was disappointed that we didn’t get that far. Her conflicts and challenges are the significance of this book, not her future greatness.

Excellent Narration

Just when I thought no narrator was as good as Xe Sands along comes Mary Sarah. Her narration is spectacular!

I’ve read much historical fiction and non-fiction, much of which is/was about royal females. The book is good, and I highly recommend it. The narration, however, takes it to the next level.

The author’s style is a combination of historical story-telling with a fairy tale quality. Mary Sarah captures the beauty of this quality.

A great listen!

Theodora is fascinating. The author creatively describes her trials and tribulations as a woman during these times. The ending left me wanting more. I look forward to more books by this author, and hopefully more about Theodora!

great read

I really enjoyed this book, loved watching Theodoras journey, can't wait to hear the sequel!

Review Far Away Bird

I completely loved this story. Douglas Burton clearly put a great deal of thought and research into creating this beautiful tale. My only complaint is... it’s finished. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel now. I will be recommending this book to anyone that will listen to me.

Amazing read! Felt like I was in Byzantine Empire!

The story of Theodora is simply fascinating. I rarely read fiction books, and was recommended to look at this one. I was in love with Theodora's life story, the trials and tribulations she endured, the adversity she overcomes, and her growth from a naive and risk-seeking child to a strong woman of purpose and conviction. I would highly recommend to read this book if you love history, female empowerment, and heroic tales.

Transformative

Absolutely loved it!
The heart and emotion put into this character is amazing! It was beautifully written and performed. Definitely looking forward to more from Douglas Burton.

Captivating!

So so good. I finished it in 3 days. The main character was an inspiring example of how women can overcome, even thrive, after facing even the most devastating of circumstances. Doug’s writing is captivating and I found myself transported into the era at hand. At times I felt as if I was standing next to Theodora herself. Incredible imagery that was powerfully seductive and left me yearning for more at every turn of the page. I am so glad to hear there will be a sequel!