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In the Company of the Courtesan

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In the Company of the Courtesan

By: Sarah Dunant
Narrated by: Daniel Philpott
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The year is 1527. While the Papal city of Rome burns, two of her most interesting and wily citizens slip away. 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 that holds its own temptations.©2006 Sarah Dunant; (P)2007 W F Howes Ltd. Historical Fiction Fiction Money Italy Rome
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The Story held my attention and surprised me. It challenged my judgment of right and wrong and scrubbed out some prejudice…

An original story, well told

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I have loved other books by Sarah Dunant but this was a let down. It seemed that she had a good idea for a story but not enough story to fill the length of book she produced. There were interminable musings. Historically it was interesting to learn details of the life in Venice in the mid 16th century. Daniel Philpott reads very clearly but he gives no character to his voices. Irrespective of age, gender or background they all sound the same.

Disappointing

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The characters are larger than life ( in some respects) and easy to engage with - the historical detail is educational but not intrusive to the narrative

Authentic and entertaining

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This is a very enjoyable listen. The characters and places come to life as if you were there with them. My only complaint is that the story dragged a bit towards the middle but then it picked up again. I enjoyed Sacred Hearts more, as the convent environment and the insights into the roles of women in convents vs the outside world was fascinating. This one is still an enjoyable historical tale but since it is a more intimate story about one courtesan and her close friend/business partner, you don't get quite the same feeling of insight into society.

Dunant writes well and intelligently, and with obvious authority regarding the historical details. The reading is excellent too.

I have also bought Blood and Beauty and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Very enjoyable plunge into 16th C Venice

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Anyone who loves Venice will recognise the bridges, canals, churches and dark dark corners they love - albeit this is set nearly 500 years ago. This is a delightful story of our courtesan and her dwarf who flee to Venice after the sacking of Rome to try and rebuild their lives and fortune. This is not a saccharine tale but nevertheless one of companionship and determination. I have read a couple of other books by Sarah Dunant - one of which was tremendous one of which was mediocre. This is one of the great ones and the reading by Daniel Philpott is excellent. I was genuinely sad when it ended.

Enchanting page turner

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