Renaissance Italy enchants in Dunant's delicious second historical (after The Birth of Venus), as
a wily dwarf Bucino Teodoldo recounts fantastic escapades with his mistress, celebrated courtesan
Fiammetta Bianchini Escaping the 1527 sacking of Rome with just the clothes on their backs (and
a few swallowed jewels in their bellies), Fiammetta and Bucino seek refuge in Venice Starved,
stinking, her beauty destroyed, Fiammetta despairs.but through cunning, will, Bucino's indefatigable
loyalty and the magic of a mysterious blind healer called La Draga, she eventually recovers Aided
by a former adversary, who now needs her as much as she needs him, Fiammetta finds a wealthy patron
to establish her in her familiar glory Through Bucino's sharp-eyed, sharp-tongued narration, Dunant
crafts a vivid vision of Venetian life: the weave of politics and religion; the layers of class; the
rituals, intrigue, superstitions and betrayals Dunant's characters.the steely courtesan whose glimpse
of true love nearly brings her to ruin; the shrewd and passionate dwarf who turns his abnormalities
into triumph; and the healer whose mysterious powers and secrets leave an indelible mark on the duo.
are irresistible throughout their shifting fortunes

Read by Stephen Hoyt

Download File Size:540.46 MB

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