In the Company of the Courtesan

In the Company of the Courtesan  (5 stars)

Now I want to go Venice. After listening to In the Company of the Courtesan I must see this place of unusual beauty and history.

Sarah Dunant once again hits a home run with this historical novel. The characters are unique, intriguing and believable. The description of the historical events, the artists, and the politics of the era the early 1500’s proved the diligence of research that Ms. Dunant did before writing this book.  

This tale is told from the perspective of Bucino, a dwarf, who is the best friend of Fiametta the courtesan. This twist allows the reader/listener to experience Bucino’s physical and emotional pain, but also, the strength of his character. He also inserts his ponderings on women and life. This book is character driven revolving around the friendship of Bucino and the fading beauty of Fiametta whose looks and sexuality is their financial support. Throw in a mysterious blind healer, La Draga, and you have great historical fiction with a surprise twist at the end. In addition, some of the characters are fictional, but some of them are taken straight from the annals of history which I found fascinating.

Las Vegas Bookies Selection

Our book club in general liked this selection. Here are a few of the comments:

“It was gritty.”

“I didn’t know they had hair extensions back then.”

“Didn’t you just love the characters?”  

“I didn’t want it to end.”

I listened to the audible version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. 

Book recommended if you like:

Historical Fiction with a bit of "grittiness."

Author:  Sarah Dunant

Publisher:  Books on Tape

Narrator: Stephen Howe  

Unabridged

Content Rating:  Sexual content