While I doubt that I’ll read this novel again, it has left a lasting impact on me. During this read, I enjoyed the detail, thought about the excesses of power, and the inevitable demise of this fascinating empire. During my second read, about ten years ago, I focussed on the excesses of the court and the role of Joannes the Orphanotrophus. After my first read, during the 1990s, I started to read more about Byzantium and the Empress Zoe.

I knew more about his life after he left Byzantium, and I found this novel fascinating. Haraldr Sigurdarson is known to history as Harald Hardrada. He becomes caught up in the conspiracies and betrayals of the court, battling to establish a place for himself and to protect those in his care. Into this world comes Haraldr Sigurdarson, seeking anonymity as a member of the Varangian guard. There are many other memorable characters in this novel, including: The Emperor Michael IV, his brother Joannes the Orphanotrophus, and Maria, the Mistress of the Robes. This long, densely detailed novel brings the Byzantine court of the Empress Zoe and those associated with her to life. Mostly set in Constantinople during the 11 th century, this novel is about Haraldr Sigurdarson, a dispossessed Viking prince who served as an imperial bodyguard. ‘The most famed of all Varangians was a young Norwegian prince called Haraldr Sigurdarson …’ Part of the appeal for me is the history of Byzantium, another part is the story of Haraldr Sigurdarson (better known to me as Harald Hardrada). And, at 700+ pages, it’s not a light undertaking. I’ve read this novel three times in the last twenty years or so.

Novels that fit that category for me include this novel, ‘Byzantium’ by Michael Ennis. Authors who fit that category for me include Dorothy Dunnett, Emily Bronte and Lian Hearn. Even more occasionally, I find a novel (or a series) or an author that I know I want to reread. Occasionally, I fall in love with a novel.

Byzantium by Michael Ennis