In approximately 300 A.D., life in Izmit carries on along its traditional course. The powerful spend their time in the public baths – bathing, holding debates and discussions, and training for the army. Amidst this world of plenty lives Elena, daughter of Maximinus Dioskoros, who will soon be wed to a Greek of high social rank. By a complete coincidence she meets the Persian, Ramin, who introduces her to the concept of self-determination. She acquires intellectual independence, learns the art of discourse but also about the new philosophy of a man who came out of Nazareth. Elena becomes Barbara – the stranger, so that her own father denounces her as a traitor to the family, even to the Empire.

St. Barbara of Christianity in Gloria Kaiser's poetical novel merges with the Brazilian goddess of nature, Yansá, a figure who stands for liberation while at the same time acting as a mediator between different cultures.

About the author:

Gloria Kaiser was born in 1950. She lives in Graz, Austria and Salvador, Brazil. She is a representative for the Austrian/Brazilian cultural exchange.

She has conducted research work at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Prior publications: short stories, radio plays and novels which have been translated into English and Portuguese, including "Dona Leopoldina – The Habsburg Empress of Brazil" and "Anita Garibaldi". She is the recipient of numerous awards.

Last Gloria Kaiser publication by Seifert-Verlag: "The Amazon of Rome – The Bold and Daring Life of Christina of Sweden (1626-1689)", in Autumn 2005.