Scan barcode
lindamarieaustin110159's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
writingweb's review against another edition
4.0
I ended up really liking these characters. A well-written book.
mistymtn103's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading this story for the historical elements, such as Renaissance Venetian politics and the methods of ancient courtesans. The final storyline took quite a while to develop, though it was reasonably acceptable by the end. I didn't feel any deeper connections with the characters, and my interest was filtered through an objective POV accordingly.
lionessramping's review against another edition
2.0
Dunant's book on the Borgias was much better. This just goes a little too off the drama rails/has a modern feel to the characters. Also really weird sudden true love story at end.
aahlvers's review against another edition
4.0
In The Company Of The Courtesan by Sarah Dunant is a straightforward piece of historical fiction detailing the life of a midget and his employer, a beautiful and successful courtesan in Rome. After the Lutherans take over Rome, they flee to Venice to start over. As they struggle to rebuild their lives a blind healer becomes a frequent visitor with tragic results. This novel is also based on historical events and the glimpse into the life of a courtesan is fascinating.
clis26's review against another edition
3.0
This book wasn't what I expected it to be. And to be honest, I didn't know enough of Venetian history to immediately grasp the historical references or people mentioned; including the famed painter Titian (who is referenced under a different name in the book). The narrator is engaging and interesting; but I wonder if there was really a point and purpose to the story. I gained insight into the life of a Courtesan of the time period, but the information discovered wasn't all that interesting or compelling. It was just a story, simple enough as that; without any stakes that felt particularly high.
Perhaps I would have been more invested if I knew the time period and location better. However, I'll look forward to reading her newest book which is about the Borgias.
Perhaps I would have been more invested if I knew the time period and location better. However, I'll look forward to reading her newest book which is about the Borgias.
readingchia's review against another edition
3.0
This book took a little while for me to really get into it, but once I did, I was intrigued by the story. It was interesting, dramatic, and well-written. Definitely worth reading.
emilydehaven's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
eileennurse's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful book with a wonderful portrait of real life in the mid 1530's in Venice. The story is of two of society's outcast - a courtesan (prostitute) and her dwarf. The dwarf is always the outsider even though he is the full partner with "his lady" in the business. She is one of the most celebrated courtesans of the day. There are continuous comparisons between religious righteousness and the reality of the social norms of the time. The woman may be rejected by some parts of society but unlike the "ladies" she has an independence and freedom they can only dream about. The courtesan is not a common street whore - she is a very well trained professional. More like a Japanese Geisha. They take pride in what they are able to accomplish - the courtesan and the dwarf. A very good book