The Emperor’s Babe
The Emperor’s Babe by Bernardine Evaristo, published by Penguin on February 24, 2004, is a vibrant exploration of forbidden love set in third-century London. This 272-page work blends poetry, history, and fiction, following the spirited Zuleika, a young bride of a wealthy Roman businessman. As she navigates her mundane life, Zuleika seeks excitement and ultimately embarks on a passionate affair with the emperor, Septimus Severus, which transforms her existence.
Readers will find a rich narrative that intertwines elements of fantasy and historical fiction, showcasing Zuleika’s journey through the complexities of love and desire. The book presents a lively portrayal of Roman Londinium, highlighting Zuleika’s quest for creativity and connection amidst societal constraints. With its engaging prose and lyrical style, The Emperor’s Babe offers a unique perspective on the intersections of personal and historical narratives.
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“Lots of fun . . . like an episode of Sex and the City written by Ovid.”—Kirkus Reviews
Bernardine Evaristo’s tale of forbidden love in bustling third-century London is an intoxicating cocktail of poetry, history, and fiction. Feisty, precocious Zuleika, a restless teenage bride of a rich Roman businessman, craves passion and excitement. She wanders through his villa, bored, or sneaks out to see her old friends, seeking an outlet for her creativity. Then she begins an affair with the emperor, Septimus Severus, remembered to history as the “African Emperor,” and she knows her life will never be the same. Streetwise, seductive, and lyrical, The Emperor’s Babe is a “glittering fiction” with a “heroine of ancient times for the modern age” (The Times).
“The adventures of a sassy, sexy girl about town . . . Funny, engaging, and a daring evocation of the possible genesis of black British history.”—The Independent on Sunday
“Smart, imaginative, and readable . . . A rich farrago of historical fact and outrageous fancy.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Zuleika leads us on a riotous, racy whirl through Roman Londinium—while displaying her lyric gift throughout, and at last her heartbreak to the core, and her own embrace of doom. . . . a captivating tale in verse.”—Robert Fagles
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