Plot Summary

In the Company of the Courtesan

Sarah Dunant
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In the Company of the Courtesan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Sarah Dunant

In the Company of the Courtesan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

385

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Venice, Italy • 1520s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Set in 16th-century Italy, Sarah Dunant's historical novel In the Company of the Courtesan follows the courtesan Fiammetta Bianchini and her dwarf companion Bucino Teodoldi as they flee from the Sack of Rome to Venice, striving to rebuild their lives. As they navigate Venice's intricate social and political landscape, they face challenges, uncover hidden truths, and forge new alliances while dealing with betrayal, recovery, and moral dilemmas. The novel contains themes of physical disability and sexual violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

27,040 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sarah Dunant’s In the Company of the Courtesan is lauded for its vivid Renaissance setting and strong character development, especially of the titular courtesan and her dwarf companion. Some critics find the pacing slow but appreciate the historical detail. The prose is often described as engaging, though a few feel it occasionally drags. Overall, it’s a richly detailed historical novel. MLA style review: In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant receives praise for its rich historical setting and deep character exploration, though some find the pacing uneven. An engaging read that transports readers to Renaissance Venice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Company of the Courtesan?

Readers who enjoy rich historical settings, complex characters, and intricate plots will be captivated by In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant. Fans of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory or Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden will appreciate the novel's immersive Renaissance Venice atmosphere and the compelling story of survival and reinvention.

4.1

27,040 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

385

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Venice, Italy • 1520s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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