Book description
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 with devastating consequences for them all. Sarah
Dunant has written eight novels, edited two books of essays and worked
widely in television, radio and in print. Her most recent novel, the
bestselling The Birth of Venus, has been the subject of major acclaim
both here and in the United States. She lives in London and Florence.
