in the company of the courtesan

sometimes, by coincidence, you find yourself on a particular theme and recently mine has been venice, a place i have only visited once and only for a day. i think it would be nice to stay there for a few days, perhaps off-season, as i like to imagine that, without the hoardes of tourists, it would be quite a different place. did you know venice is one of the quietest cities in europe? no cars, doesn't that sound attractive?

this book by sarah dunant is the fictional account of a courtesan, based in the mid-16th century; the action takes us from the sack of rome and their fall in fortune to their rise and success in venice. the description of 16th century life in italy is vividly depicted. a very good read.