In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant

In the Company of the Courtesan
Sarah Dunant

When sixteenth-century Rome is sacked by those who hate the great city's sinful ways, the popular courtesan Fiammetta Bianchini and her dwarf, Bucino, barely escape and manage to flee the murder and mayhem. Nearly killed themselves (and much the worse for wear), they arrive in Venice, where they must try to survive and rebuild their wealth.

The story is narrated by Bucino, who is easily an excellent character. One flaw in the narration appears near the end of the first chapter, when the point of view shifts from Bucino to the boatman conducting Fiammetta and Bucino after their arrival in Venice. Considering that Bucino narrates the entire book except for this section, this shift in perspective really annoys me, as it seems out of place and highly unnecessary.

Despite this minor quibble, I really enjoyed the book: the writing is fluid and the story moves quickly along. I also loved the main characters (especially Bucino), and I truly wanted to see them succeed. The life of a Renaissance courtesan fascinated me, and it is clear that Dunant had completed a lot of research before writing this novel. It shows, but not pedantically. Rather, the city and its characters seem alive and intriguing.

My only other gripe is that In the Company of the Courtesan just seeks to entertain. It does not offer an explanation for the sufferings of the many, nor does it seek a greater understanding of death and sin. This novel is not great literature, as it does not assert human truths that will console the reader in a dark time (which is what I look for in a truly great book). Instead, it is simply a well-written story of two people trying to survive, and trying to survive well. This is a book that will enable one to pass a few hours in a time long past with characters too uncommon to be forgettable.

In a nutshell: In the Company of the Courtesan is an entertaining, lively read, with strong characters and a unique storyline. Not great literature, it is still worth your time. I bought it in hardcover, and I'm not disappointed. But will I ever reread it? Probably not.

Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars