This is a charming read containing more than first meets the eye.  A historical novel of Renaissance Italy, charting the life of a courtesan through the eyes of her dwarf companion.  Witty, moving, endearing, not wholly unpredictable, but fun getting there; a good read.

Similar this month: None.
Comparison: Helen Dunmore, Salley Vickers, Gregory Norminton.

Synopsis

1527. While the Papal city of Rome burns - brutally sacked by an invading army including Protestant heretics - two of her most interesting and wily citizens slip away, their stomachs churning on the jewels they have swallowed as the enemy breaks down their doors. Though almost as damaged as their beloved city, Fiammetta Bianchini and Bucino Teodoldi - a fabulous courtesan and her dwarf companion - are already planning their future. They head for the shimmering beauty of Venice, a honey pot of wealth and trade where they start to rebuild their business. As a partnership they are invincible: Bucino, clever with a sharp eye and a wicked tongue and Fiammetta, beautiful and shrewd, trained from birth to charm, entertain and satisfy men who have the money to support her. Venice, however, is a city which holds its own temptations. From the admiring Turk in search of human novelties for his Sultan’s court, to the searing passion of a young lover who wants more than his allotted nights. But the greatest challenge comes from a young blind woman, a purveyor of health and beauty, who insinuates her way into their lives and hearts with devastating consequences for them all.

Reviews

'There is no more accomplished guide to Renaissance Italy than Sarah Dunant ...enthralling...will give the reader as much pleasure as Fiammetta does her clients' Daily Mail
 
'The best kind of historical novel...Dunant's story blends beauty and brutality into an intimate and thrilling portrait of an age' Sunday Telegraph
 
'Dunant's knack for drawing such satisfying yarns from the canals and cattedrali means it could be a long time before her readers tire of her' The Times

About the Author

Sarah Dunant has written eight novels, edited two books of essays and worked widely in television, radio and in print. She has two daughters and lives in London and Florence. Photograph © Charlie Hopkinson More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation