#75- In the Company of the Courtesan

Book No: 75
Title: In the Company of the Courtesan
Author: Sarah Dunant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2006
Obtained: 2006/Audible
Completed: 9/26/08
No. of Pages: N/A
Rating: 4.5/5*****

This is my second book by Dunant that I have read this year, and she is surely becoming a huge favorite of mine. This book languished in my TBR pile for more than 2 years, and I am so glad I finally got around to it- thank goodness for reading challenges!

This was a fascinating look at the life of a courtesan in Venice c 1530. Told from the perspective of Bucino Teodoldo, a dwarf and business partner with Fiammetta Bianchini, one of the most celebrated courtesans in Rome.

When Rome is sacked in 1527, the two escape with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and a few jewels they saved by swallowing them. With this small purse they set off to Venice to re-establish Fiammetta as a great courtesan in their new home.

Filled with intrigue, politics and more than one betrayal this is historical fiction that is vividly brought to life. Mixing both fictional and real historical figures, the book was inspired by the portrait the Venus of Urbino by Titian, who is a character in the book. Great characters, beautiful writing and plotting that will keep you reading long after the lights should be out. I cannot wait for another book by Ms. Dunant.