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The Hero of Byzantium

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As an aficionado of Roman history, I was thrilled with the idea of a historical novel based on the life of General Belisarius. I was hoping for a gripping tale full of historically accurate information that would give me a glimpse, a smell and a feel of this crucial period in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. Belisarius was one of those rare men whose efforts were so special as to push history where it would not have gone without him. The history of Christianity and the Western world without him is difficult to imagine, but it certainly would not have produced the world as it is today.
Unfortunately, I find the prose to be so elemantary as to be painful to read. I want to take up a pencil and rewrite it as I wade through the choppy text. That means that the sense of place and time is never conveyed to the reader. I am always aware that I am reading a historical novel written by a late 20th century American with no insight into custom, habits, food and dress of the 7th century. The lack of the appropriate details that can paint a living picture like Colleen McCollough brought to life in her series about Marius, Sulla and Caesar leave this book hollow and unbelievable.

The Hero of Byzantium by Joseph Lessard is based on the life of a brave, charismatic and Christian general named Belisarius who won the respect of his fellow citizens as he went against incredible odds to lead the Roman army into victory after victory. He was a true hero and warrior of the times who served in the front lines. The story is mostly relayed in third person, although the author makes readers aware that Procopous, the imperial historian, is the one who primarily records and tells the stories to readers, especially with his periodic "first person" appearances Being able to use point of view in this unique way demonstrates the author's talent as this is a difficult undertaking--one usually attempted and successfully accomplished by only experienced writers.

Mr. Lessard brings the personalities of the characters to life in a vivid way, allowing readers to see the flaws as well as the strengths of the individuals. After Emperor Justin I died, his nephew Justinian I, who had a dream of restoring the Roman Empire to its former glory, inherited the empire. He knew that he needed a great general to lead his army since he chose not to go into battle himself. Belisarius was promoted to general and sent off to the Persian front with General Sittas, the Master of Soldiers, as well as General Nares, the Chief Eunuch. Justinian, looking for a new commander to inspire and update his army, was testing young Belisarius against the Persian army which was 50,000 strong and determined to take back the city of Dhara from the Romans. With his Christian faith ever so evident, Belisarius, with an army of only 20,000, led and inspired the men to a triumphant conquest that was considered to be truly miraculous. He returned home as a great hero, but it was only the beginning of a long military calling; this daring commander re-conquered nearly all of the old Western Roman Empire. The victories occurred even though their army was always outnumbered by enemy forces. God was with Belisarius, a man who openly displayed his Christian faith and bravery, showing no fear of death. A humble and unselfish individual, this hero simply wished to serve his God, his country, and his emperor.

But there were jealous individuals who challenged his motives, fearing that he might be planning to steal the throne as he was so popular and loved by the Byzantine citizens. Some generals had their own aspirations in regard to the throne, so they tried to turn Justinian against Belisarius by telling him lies and downplaying the military successes. They wanted the Emperor Justinian to feel threatened by the popular hero.

Two women played important roles in the unfolding of historical events. The charming and beautiful Theodora was a former prostitute who married Emperor Justinian. She was instrumental in every decision that the Emperor made in regard to the rebuilding of his empire. Though Theodora referred to herself as a Monophysite Christian--a small group who did not believe Jesus was ever a human being--her actions did not reflect true Christian beliefs. She deliberately made friends with Antonina, also a former prostitute and the wife of Belisarius, and eventually asked her to spy on the general whom she saw as a threat to Justinian and, subsequently, to herself. Antonina was persistently unfaithful to her husband and, since she felt no real love for him, did as Theodora asked in return for some special rewards.

Belisarius loves his wife and though outwardly appearing to deny stories of her infidelities, readers eventually learn that, perhaps, he knows more than he lets on. However, this man of faith would not stop believing that one day Antonina would become a Christian. Over and over Belisarius endures betrayal by those closest to him; one time he is forced to make a decision that takes the life of a close friend, causing him personal grief and heartache.

Late in his life, Belisarius is nearly put to death by the Empress whose husband is critically ill; however, Antonina convinces Theodora to spare him. And so, instead of death, the brave general becomes his wife's slave. Encouraged by his old friend, the Bishop, Belisarius goes to God in prayer, and quickly everything begins to change for the better. With a Christ-like spirit toward Emperor Justinian who recovered from his illness, the hero of Byzantium answers a call to serve his country and does so victoriously. He also forgives his wife and they live together comfortably in retirement for several years. Eventually he dies in battle--the same way he had lived in life--as The Hero of Byzantium.

This book is an exciting read, and readers will long remember how the faith and bravery of one man enabled him to accomplish the "impossible." I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of this author's writings.

There are some stories that are written to become great epic tales--"The Hero of Byzantium" is on that short life of classic stories. Author Joseph Lessard takes a real life hero General Belisarius from the 6th century and enhances the plot, fills in characters, creates interaction between people and events so you end up with a bigger than life novel! It can only be done with the skill of a brilliant writer and Lessard has managed to covet that honor with his book.

The plot follows the life of our Christian General Belisarius as he leads his Roman Armies in successful battles. He is a real hero but things are not easy for him as he deals with a wife that he loves but who has been less than faithful. He also losses favor along the way and is sentenced to death but is saved to become a personal slave of his wife. He eventually over comes lots of betrayal issues and proves his leadership again on the field of battle. I do not want to spoil the ending of the story but this book will take you emotionally all over the place.

This is good classic novel for an entertaining weekend reading experience; or cuddled up next to a fireplace during a long cold winter night. Put this on your reading list for adventure books with lots of class!

Poor is the word that I would use to describe this book. I feel like 8th graders have written better then this guy. The writing style is horrible and the story is right there with it. I was hoping for an Alexander the Great type character which Belisarius was but the author fell well shy of the mark. After reading historical fiction from people like Steven Pressfield and Conn Iggulden I was looking for another great author, I absolutly did not find one in Joseph Lessard. Joe I hope you have a day job and I hope that job is not writing.