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