The novel begins with a literal bang: the .
They flee to Venice, Fiammetta’s birthplace, arriving penniless and physically scarred (Fiammetta’s iconic hair has been shorn by invaders). La cortesana - Sarah Dunant.epub
The heart of the book follows their "invincible partnership" as they use wit, cunning, and the help of a mysterious blind healer named La Draga to re-establish Fiammetta’s elite status in Venetian society. 2. A Unique Perspective: The Narrator The novel begins with a literal bang: the
The novel is famously inspired by Titian’s Venus of Urbino . It invites readers to look past the canvas to the real woman who might have posed for it. 4. Why Read It? In the Company of the Courtesan (2006), by Sarah Dunant it’s a partnership built on survival
Their relationship is one of the book’s highlights; it’s a partnership built on survival, loyalty, and deep friendship rather than the typical exploitative stereotype. 3. Themes to Explore in Your Blog
The Sins of Pleasure: A Deep Dive into In the Company of the Courtesan
Dunant explores how a courtesan’s "assets" were maintained with paints, unguents, and wigs. It’s a fascinating look at the labor behind the aesthetic.