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Bodo, the Apostate
“… in the meantime, a credible report caused all ecclesiastics of the Catholic Church to lament and weep.” Prudentius of Troyes, Annales Bertiniani, anno 839
On Ascension Day May 22, 838, Bishop Bodo, chaplain, confessor, and favorite of both his kin, Emperor Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, and Empress Judith, caused the greatest scandal of the Carolingian Empire and the 9th century Roman Church.
Bodo, the novel, dramatizes the causes, motivations, and aftermath of Bodo’s astonishing cause célèbre that took place during an age of superstitions, a confused Roman Church, heterodoxies, lingering paganism, broken oaths, rebellions, and dissolution of the Carolingian Empire.
On Ascension Day May 22, 838, Bishop Bodo, chaplain, confessor, and favorite of both his kin, Emperor Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, and Empress Judith, caused the greatest scandal of the Carolingian Empire and the 9th century Roman Church.
Bodo, the novel, dramatizes the causes, motivations, and aftermath of Bodo’s astonishing cause célèbre that took place during an age of superstitions, a confused Roman Church, heterodoxies, lingering paganism, broken oaths, rebellions, and dissolution of the Carolingian Empire.
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2014
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Donald Michael Platt
7 books55 followersBorn and raised inside San Francisco, I graduated from Lowell High School and received my B.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley. After two years in the Army, I went to graduate school at San Jose State where one of my short stories was published in the college’s literary magazine, THE REED, and I won a bathch of awards in the annual SENATOR PHELAN LITERARY CONTEST.
After teaching English and Creative writing at Los Gatos Union High School, I moved to southern California and began my professional writing career. I sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted YOUR HAIR AND YOUR DIET for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, and Al Ruddy as well as Paul Stader Sr., dean of Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. Also, options were taken on my unpublished WWII fighter ace novel and several treatments.
While living in Hollywood, I taught creative writing and Advanced placement European History at Fairfax High School where I also was Social Studies Department Chairman. After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of A GATHERING OF VULTURES,* DarkHart Press, 2007,we moved to Florida where I wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your "Lost" Love Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.
My other four novels are ROCAMORA,* set in 17th century Spain and Amsterdam during their Golden Ages, it's sequel
HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, CLOSE TO THE SUN,* a WWII fighter ace novel, and BODO THE APOSTATE, an Editor's Choice for the Historical Review. Those with a * have been FINALISTS in Book Awards Contests.
After teaching English and Creative writing at Los Gatos Union High School, I moved to southern California and began my professional writing career. I sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted YOUR HAIR AND YOUR DIET for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, and Al Ruddy as well as Paul Stader Sr., dean of Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. Also, options were taken on my unpublished WWII fighter ace novel and several treatments.
While living in Hollywood, I taught creative writing and Advanced placement European History at Fairfax High School where I also was Social Studies Department Chairman. After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of A GATHERING OF VULTURES,* DarkHart Press, 2007,we moved to Florida where I wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your "Lost" Love Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.
My other four novels are ROCAMORA,* set in 17th century Spain and Amsterdam during their Golden Ages, it's sequel
HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, CLOSE TO THE SUN,* a WWII fighter ace novel, and BODO THE APOSTATE, an Editor's Choice for the Historical Review. Those with a * have been FINALISTS in Book Awards Contests.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 8, 2015
Bodo the Apostate
"Bodo The Apostate" is a story that begins in 818 A.D., during the Carolingian Empire in the region of Aquitaine.
He was the son of Count Gunzo, who died while at war, thus leaving Bodo and his elder sister Adeltrud orphan; their mother was already deceased at the time of the Count's death.
Upon the death of Count Gunzo, the children's uncle then takes them to live at court against the wishes of Bodo, who at the time was only six years old. His was an extremely intelligent and inquisitive mind, and was constantly asking his elders for explanations; his mind was restless...He enjoyed the gift of expressing himself with ease and quickly grasped anything he was taught.
After a long trip with their uncle, they finally arrive at the court of Emperor Louis the Pious and of his wife, Empress Judith of Bavaria, who also happened to be Bodo's cousin.
As soon as the children were introduced at court, the Emperor and his wife were not only astounded by Bodo's speech, but also by how inquisitive and intelligent he was. Realizing how bright Bodo was, they quickly took the decision to educate him at the court schools, under the tutelage of the best instructors available.
On the first day of school, the child is introduced to the Emperor's astrologist Priscus, who in due time becomes Bodo's best friend and mentor. As expected, the court's school suits Bodo very well, because he can ask as many questions as he wishes, while simultaneously increasing his knowledge in many subjects..
As time goes on, his knowledge acumen earns him the Emperor's trust, thus becoming his right hand and occupying high ranking positions at court.
During the IX century A.D., Aquitaine was ruled by the Roman Catholic Church, there were many superstitions, and people were questioning the church. In the meantime, as Bodo became more savvy and had greater understanding, he began developing more clarity and taking his own decisions regarding the path he wanted to choose for his life and future.
This book is very well written indeed...The details, the religions, the wars, the food, the musical instruments, all contribute to its enjoyable reading. In fact, there is a musical instrument with which I was totally unacquainted, and which I will leave to your own discovery as you read through the pages of this book. I learned about the life of Emperor Louis the Pious, who was Emperor Charlemagne's son, and about his wife, Empress Judith. I also learned about how Europe and parts of Africa were politically divided in those times.
It is for these and many other reasons that I invite you to read this wonderful book and discover what Bodo finally did with his life, and what decisions he took to ride the path he carved for himself.
"Bodo The Apostate" is a story that begins in 818 A.D., during the Carolingian Empire in the region of Aquitaine.
He was the son of Count Gunzo, who died while at war, thus leaving Bodo and his elder sister Adeltrud orphan; their mother was already deceased at the time of the Count's death.
Upon the death of Count Gunzo, the children's uncle then takes them to live at court against the wishes of Bodo, who at the time was only six years old. His was an extremely intelligent and inquisitive mind, and was constantly asking his elders for explanations; his mind was restless...He enjoyed the gift of expressing himself with ease and quickly grasped anything he was taught.
After a long trip with their uncle, they finally arrive at the court of Emperor Louis the Pious and of his wife, Empress Judith of Bavaria, who also happened to be Bodo's cousin.
As soon as the children were introduced at court, the Emperor and his wife were not only astounded by Bodo's speech, but also by how inquisitive and intelligent he was. Realizing how bright Bodo was, they quickly took the decision to educate him at the court schools, under the tutelage of the best instructors available.
On the first day of school, the child is introduced to the Emperor's astrologist Priscus, who in due time becomes Bodo's best friend and mentor. As expected, the court's school suits Bodo very well, because he can ask as many questions as he wishes, while simultaneously increasing his knowledge in many subjects..
As time goes on, his knowledge acumen earns him the Emperor's trust, thus becoming his right hand and occupying high ranking positions at court.
During the IX century A.D., Aquitaine was ruled by the Roman Catholic Church, there were many superstitions, and people were questioning the church. In the meantime, as Bodo became more savvy and had greater understanding, he began developing more clarity and taking his own decisions regarding the path he wanted to choose for his life and future.
This book is very well written indeed...The details, the religions, the wars, the food, the musical instruments, all contribute to its enjoyable reading. In fact, there is a musical instrument with which I was totally unacquainted, and which I will leave to your own discovery as you read through the pages of this book. I learned about the life of Emperor Louis the Pious, who was Emperor Charlemagne's son, and about his wife, Empress Judith. I also learned about how Europe and parts of Africa were politically divided in those times.
It is for these and many other reasons that I invite you to read this wonderful book and discover what Bodo finally did with his life, and what decisions he took to ride the path he carved for himself.
December 8, 2014
Donald is a fabulous technical and historical writer overall, but Bodo the Apostate (his newest novel) is nothing short of his best work all the way around. Not only is his writing immaculate and his history engaging, but in this book his dialogue and character's thoughts, personalities, and actions are so real and dimensional that I found myself enamored and smiling from the start.
The Bodo that Donald presents in this book (as of course, little was known of him and one-sided) is highly intelligent and advanced ("gifted") from a very young age. He's curious, inquisitive, thoughtful, analytic (I have some kids like that so I truly understand it), but in the Carolingian period, which is pre-Medieval age circa 8-9th century, religion was serious (yes, even more serious than by today's standards). Bodo is taken to be enrolled at the Academy located at the winter palace of Emperor Louis the Pious (the son of Charlamagne) for his smarts, and as well, his great-aunt just happens to be the mother of Emperor Louis.
So, when on the cover it states, " In a time of intolerance following your conscience is a dangerous choice...." I can totally understand this comment in relation to this book. When one is forced to become a priest and religion gets political and divisions are formed, loyalties demanded and abused, an educated person with a high intellect (these types of people generally think for themselves and don't follow the crowd, but make logical and educated decisions) is likely to not follow the demanded path. Bodo made a decision to change religions and flee to exile (this is historical record so I don't feel it is a spoiler), but the book mostly takes place prior to that. It was so very interesting reading of the path that led to his decision and his thoughts behind it. Donald takes what little historical detail was accounted for and intertwines the best scenarios he could deduce in order to bring us Bodo's story, while simultaneously showing us what led to the demise of the Carolingian Empire. In fact, most of the book really dealt with the political and religious issues of the times, using Bodo as the propelling plot to showcase it. However, he does give us probably one of the only, or at least, best accounts of what his life might have been like afterwards when he lived in Andalusia (al-andalus), Hispania.
I love Carolingian historical fiction. There is something about it that lies between truth and fantasy, so even the facts seem surreal. I've grown up loving this era and Donald's book is another wonderful novel on a list of highly regarded and entertaining books of this time period. Though the book is totally a historical fiction meant to be as authentic and plausible as possible, utilizing best guess based on research, in some way it just so reminded me at the start of something like Lord of the Rings. That's probably crazy, but the book reads as if someone is telling us a legend (like the Legends of King Arthur, but rather, the legend of Bodo the Apostate, not Bodo Proudfoot, Hobbit!!). I totally admire this story and was enthralled by each chapter. I definitely never wanted to have to stop reading it, but would rather have had a day to do nothing but be entrenched in this book.
Donald's writing is detailed, visual, entertaining, informative, interesting, and he creates characters that readers can relate or connect to, creating understanding among all various types of people and their relations with others. He writes with a courageous pen in order to honor little-known men in history that made giant decisions. I believe Donald likes to research, critically think, and put together and forth other accounts of those lost to history that could become their lasting legacy as much as he likes to write entertaining material.
Helping historians, as well as readers, to understand other sides of history and make sense of religious intolerance, strife, and its lasting ramifications does a great service way past adorning bookshelves. Donald writes historical fiction of true meaning in a fashion that is so very captivating.
Highly recommended for the true pre-Medieval or Carolingian reader who are made happy by this time period fantasy feel, as well as those who are interested in historical reference about the angst between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. Opinions are my own.
The Bodo that Donald presents in this book (as of course, little was known of him and one-sided) is highly intelligent and advanced ("gifted") from a very young age. He's curious, inquisitive, thoughtful, analytic (I have some kids like that so I truly understand it), but in the Carolingian period, which is pre-Medieval age circa 8-9th century, religion was serious (yes, even more serious than by today's standards). Bodo is taken to be enrolled at the Academy located at the winter palace of Emperor Louis the Pious (the son of Charlamagne) for his smarts, and as well, his great-aunt just happens to be the mother of Emperor Louis.
So, when on the cover it states, " In a time of intolerance following your conscience is a dangerous choice...." I can totally understand this comment in relation to this book. When one is forced to become a priest and religion gets political and divisions are formed, loyalties demanded and abused, an educated person with a high intellect (these types of people generally think for themselves and don't follow the crowd, but make logical and educated decisions) is likely to not follow the demanded path. Bodo made a decision to change religions and flee to exile (this is historical record so I don't feel it is a spoiler), but the book mostly takes place prior to that. It was so very interesting reading of the path that led to his decision and his thoughts behind it. Donald takes what little historical detail was accounted for and intertwines the best scenarios he could deduce in order to bring us Bodo's story, while simultaneously showing us what led to the demise of the Carolingian Empire. In fact, most of the book really dealt with the political and religious issues of the times, using Bodo as the propelling plot to showcase it. However, he does give us probably one of the only, or at least, best accounts of what his life might have been like afterwards when he lived in Andalusia (al-andalus), Hispania.
I love Carolingian historical fiction. There is something about it that lies between truth and fantasy, so even the facts seem surreal. I've grown up loving this era and Donald's book is another wonderful novel on a list of highly regarded and entertaining books of this time period. Though the book is totally a historical fiction meant to be as authentic and plausible as possible, utilizing best guess based on research, in some way it just so reminded me at the start of something like Lord of the Rings. That's probably crazy, but the book reads as if someone is telling us a legend (like the Legends of King Arthur, but rather, the legend of Bodo the Apostate, not Bodo Proudfoot, Hobbit!!). I totally admire this story and was enthralled by each chapter. I definitely never wanted to have to stop reading it, but would rather have had a day to do nothing but be entrenched in this book.
Donald's writing is detailed, visual, entertaining, informative, interesting, and he creates characters that readers can relate or connect to, creating understanding among all various types of people and their relations with others. He writes with a courageous pen in order to honor little-known men in history that made giant decisions. I believe Donald likes to research, critically think, and put together and forth other accounts of those lost to history that could become their lasting legacy as much as he likes to write entertaining material.
Helping historians, as well as readers, to understand other sides of history and make sense of religious intolerance, strife, and its lasting ramifications does a great service way past adorning bookshelves. Donald writes historical fiction of true meaning in a fashion that is so very captivating.
Highly recommended for the true pre-Medieval or Carolingian reader who are made happy by this time period fantasy feel, as well as those who are interested in historical reference about the angst between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. Opinions are my own.
January 6, 2015
The book starts out with Bodo as a young child of 6 but of course he thinks he is the man of the house as his father is away at war. He and his sister have had a privileged, quiet life but that will soon change. Due to the death of their father the children are sent into the care of their uncle and the course of Bodo’s life changes in ways he could never have imagined.
It is a time of great change in the world at large and within the Catholic Church. The church was a source of power and through it a man could rise far above his place in life. Many noble families gave younger sons to the church to keep fingers in the pot as it were. Bodo turned out to be this donation for his uncle’s family and he was forced into the priesthood. With no other family to gainsay the decision off he went at a very young age. He did end up a powerful man – he was confessor to Louis the Pious and so very close to the power in the land.
Bodo though found more comfort in the Jewish religion and converted to Judaism. This caused an uproar so huge that written records exist of the shock. You can only imagine that given how little has come down from the 9th century that this must have been truly shocking. Mr. Platt has taken what little written record there is and created a fascinating novel full of rich period detail. The conflicts going on during this period between ruling parties and the church ultimately led to a breakdown in society in general and brought on the Dark Ages. All of that angst is woven into the book through the telling of one monk’s story.
I started it on Sunday and really had a hard time putting it down and I was disappointed when I finished because I didn’t want it to end – as cruel a world as it was the writing was so good.
4.5
It is a time of great change in the world at large and within the Catholic Church. The church was a source of power and through it a man could rise far above his place in life. Many noble families gave younger sons to the church to keep fingers in the pot as it were. Bodo turned out to be this donation for his uncle’s family and he was forced into the priesthood. With no other family to gainsay the decision off he went at a very young age. He did end up a powerful man – he was confessor to Louis the Pious and so very close to the power in the land.
Bodo though found more comfort in the Jewish religion and converted to Judaism. This caused an uproar so huge that written records exist of the shock. You can only imagine that given how little has come down from the 9th century that this must have been truly shocking. Mr. Platt has taken what little written record there is and created a fascinating novel full of rich period detail. The conflicts going on during this period between ruling parties and the church ultimately led to a breakdown in society in general and brought on the Dark Ages. All of that angst is woven into the book through the telling of one monk’s story.
I started it on Sunday and really had a hard time putting it down and I was disappointed when I finished because I didn’t want it to end – as cruel a world as it was the writing was so good.
4.5
January 9, 2015
One of my favorite aspects of reading HF is discovering those people in history that you never (or very rarely) hear about. Those that have done something significant but we don't hear or know much about, they are waiting quietly in the wings for someone to write their story. That is precisely what Donald Michael Platt has done here.
This is a relatively new author to me, I've previously only read one of his books, Close to the Sun which I really enjoyed and why I wanted to be part of this tour for his latest.
This book is set in a time period that I rarely read as well as taking place in a location that I am unfamiliar with. Bodo is only 6 years old when this book begins. The author paints a vivid picture of his life as he grows, through tragedy that befalls him and his sister. No I am not going to recall everything that takes place here and spoil this book for anyone. One of the first things that stuck me about this book is the rich details regarding traditions and life style during that era. With power struggles and dominion by the Catholic church this story stayed true to its time. It's a story where blood isn't thicker than water, power struggles dominate and religion plays a big role.
The author has shown his interest and respect of this time period with the about of research that was involved here. I liked Bodo, he was true to himself and his journey was fascinating to read about.
It's no secret that I love book covers and I think this is fits the book perfectly.
This and other reviews can be found at JustOneMoreChapter.com
This is a relatively new author to me, I've previously only read one of his books, Close to the Sun which I really enjoyed and why I wanted to be part of this tour for his latest.
This book is set in a time period that I rarely read as well as taking place in a location that I am unfamiliar with. Bodo is only 6 years old when this book begins. The author paints a vivid picture of his life as he grows, through tragedy that befalls him and his sister. No I am not going to recall everything that takes place here and spoil this book for anyone. One of the first things that stuck me about this book is the rich details regarding traditions and life style during that era. With power struggles and dominion by the Catholic church this story stayed true to its time. It's a story where blood isn't thicker than water, power struggles dominate and religion plays a big role.
The author has shown his interest and respect of this time period with the about of research that was involved here. I liked Bodo, he was true to himself and his journey was fascinating to read about.
It's no secret that I love book covers and I think this is fits the book perfectly.
This and other reviews can be found at JustOneMoreChapter.com
January 3, 2015
Bodo The Apostate
My personal opinion : this was a super book.. I learn so many things about that era, love the book!!!
My personal opinion : this was a super book.. I learn so many things about that era, love the book!!!
March 2, 2024
I wish I remembered how this book found it's way onto my TBR. It's a compelling fictional history about a powerful favorite in the medieval Carolingian court who leaves his service to the empire and the Catholic church for conversion to Judaism and a slower, steadier life in what's now Spain when it was under the rule of a Muslim emir. All Bodo wants is for people to be faithful to their beliefs and each other, but he is surrounded by a church and a court that changes loyalties almost with each new moon. And he cannot bear the hypocrisy of it all. So he escapes to start a new life. It helps to still be wealthy and a polymath.
CW: This book has many scenes detailing the antisemitism of the medieval Catholic church and greater Carolingian culture. I, as a faithful Christian, found them horrifying. It is unsettling to read even as I expect that they are true representations of the beliefs of many in that time period. Hate is so much easier than love.
CW: This book has many scenes detailing the antisemitism of the medieval Catholic church and greater Carolingian culture. I, as a faithful Christian, found them horrifying. It is unsettling to read even as I expect that they are true representations of the beliefs of many in that time period. Hate is so much easier than love.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews