Matilde’s Empress by Robert Philips delves into the turbulent aftermath of Gainas’ failed coup, leading to his death and Matilde’s desperate flight to her maternal home. There, her family embraces her, offering solace as she mourns both her husband and their unborn child. Soon after, Matilde marries her stepbrother Alaric and gives birth to their son, Theodoric. When Matilde is summoned for her connection to Gainas’ rebellion, Alaric steps in to protect her, but at a heavy cost. His intervention results in the loss of his position within the Roman Empire and his people being deprived of critical resources. Tragedy strikes again when Matilde’s tribe is attacked, and she, along with her son and servant, is taken prisoner. After enduring these hardships and eventually reuniting with her family, Matilde faces more losses, with several close family members having perished. For a brief time, she finds love and achieves high status within the Roman Empire, but it is short-lived. Though peace is eventually restored, Matilde is left with only a bittersweet resolution.

Set between 400 CE and 422 CE, Matilde’s Empress is rooted in historical fiction, drawing from real events of the Roman Empire. Some characters, like Matilde, are fictional, while others, such as Constantius, are based on historical figures. The novel explores the complexities of life in the Roman Empire, particularly highlighting how women’s femininity often overshadowed their intelligence. Matilde, a woman of sharp mind and wisdom, consistently provided sound advice, something Constantius himself acknowledged. However, her failure to bear him a child distanced him from her, favoring Placidia as empress due to her ability to give him an heir. Despite Matilde’s many contributions, she is never granted an official position, emphasizing the harsh reality that her influence depended on her attachment to powerful men. As she ages and is considered past her prime, her ability to make a significant impact fades, and she spends her later years bonding with her grandchildren. Philips excels in exploring the theme of “death by natural causes,” which adds an unexpected twist and depth to the narrative.

Matilde’s Empress is a richly layered tale of survival, loss, and resilience in a time when a woman’s worth was measured more by her ability to bear children than by her intellect. The novel succeeds in painting a vivid picture of life during the Roman Empire and offers readers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities faced by women in history.

Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0DBGQQ26F