In The Company of the Courtesan - Sarah Dunat
This was my best Christmas read - and gobbled up in two days. Thanks Mum.
This novel is set in sixteenth century Renaissance Italy. It is written from the point of view of the Dwarf, companion and pimp to Fiametta Bianchini a courtesan. Well researched, good story and interesting twist at the end. I loved the book, it was real, dealt with a variety of “sins” without becoming too over the top. The characters were great and I found the history I had studied in my Theology degree coming into play (the fall and sack of Rome changes to Catholicism) and also an understanding of church as a social institution. From the feminist point of view, it was really interesting watching the way sexual power and politics were represented. Very clever, interesting.
Will have to read more from this author.