I've mentioned here many times that I'm not a fan of poetry. But look at me now, Evaristo has made me read and enjoy a novel written in verse! It doesn't even rhyme, the verse is mostly in lolloping four-beat accentual syllabics, and the language, man, fuck! This woman is a freaking genius. I Am In Awe!
I usually don't share the synopsis anymore but the spoiler is in the title. The protagonist, Zuleika, a beautiful and feisty Sudanese woman, is married to an older wealthy Roman who is always away. When the Emperor Septimus Severus comes to town, they have an affair. That's the premise but I'm more intrigued with how Evaristo got the inspiration to write The Emperor's Babe. Apparently, she had a Poetry Society placement at the Museum of London, where she became fascinated by the history of Roman London, particularly the fact that black people lived in London during the Roman era and then poof, the idea came to her. Isn't that wonderful?!? Ugh, I'm in love with her, can you tell?
Not everyone will be able to read this book though, it's very experimental but I hope you try.