Book Description
My lady, Fiammetta Bianchini, was plucking her eyebrows and biting color into her lips when the unthinkable happened and the Holy Roman Emperor’s army blew a hole in the wall of God’s eternal city, letting in a flood of half-starved, half-crazed troops bent on pillage and punishment.
Thus begins
In the Company of the Courtesan, Sarah Dunant’s epic novel of life in Renaissance Italy. Escaping the sack of Rome in 1527, with their stomachs churning on the jewels they have swallowed, the courtesan Fiammetta and her dwarf companion, Bucino, head for Venice, the shimmering city born out of water to become a miracle of east-west trade: rich and rancid, pious and profitable, beautiful and squalid.
With a mix of courage and cunning they infiltrate Venetian society. Together they make the perfect partnership: the sharp-tongued, sharp-witted dwarf, and his vibrant mistress, trained from birth to charm, entertain, and satisfy men who have the money to support her.
Yet as their fortunes rise, this perfect partnership comes under threat, from the searing passion of a lover who wants more than his allotted nights to the attentions of an admiring Turk in search of human novelties for his sultan’s court. But Fiammetta and Bucino’s greatest challenge comes from a young crippled woman, a blind healer who insinuates herself into their lives and hearts with devastating consequences for them all.
A story of desire and deception, sin and religion, loyalty and friendship,
In the Company of the Courtesan paints a portrait of one of the world’s greatest cities at its most potent moment in history: It is a picture that remains vivid long after the final page.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
A Masterpiece of Accuracy.......2007-08-09
a well researched, documentary quality history, entriging, believable charcters, engaging story.
Thank you Sarah Dunant, another good read.
Richly Descriptive Period Piece........2007-07-30
This book has most everything you would want in a period piece. It contains unique richly developed characters, intrigue, humor, & a deep plot. The sights, sounds, smells, & ambiance of 16th century Venice are almost lifelike. There is a fine mingling of social mores & politics that leads to many types of betrayal that keep the reader guessing. The author tells Fiammetta's story through the eyes of Bucino, a clever dwarf who shares her lodgings. He eventually will be the main character. The story begins in 1527 with the sacking of Rome. Fiammetta, is ravaged by the invaders & flees the city with Bucino{a loyal caretaker, & sardonic, resourceful spy}, with little else but the clothes on their backs, & some swallowed jewels. They reach Fiammetta's deceased mother's home in Venice. Soon La Draga, a mysterious, blind woman comes into their lives to nurse Fiammetta back to her original health & beauty. After a long recuperation she sets out to be the highly desired Courtesan she had been back in Rome. But, clearly she has not recovered as she gets more businesslike & cold as the book advances. Her lovers & friends are well done 7 most have an impact on the general theme. The most interesting relationship in the book is between La Draga & Bucino. their relationship will eventually put Fiammetta into the background, while these two characters play out their dramatic fates. The only minor flaw is that it was a too long, had it been a bit shorter in reaching the end I would have given it 5 stars.
Diluted Sexuality in the Company of the Courtesan?.......2007-07-25
Dunant is a brilliant and poetic writer, which makes the book well worth the read. However, I agree with other reviewers that, for a book about sexuality and intrigue, it certainly lacks passion. While "The Birth of Venus" was provocative, this book was disappointingly tame. The most beautifully written passages of the book concern Bucino's thoughts and memories, and he also happens to be the only intriguing character. Fiammetta, who was supposedly so charming, certainly failed to impress. Only in the first chapter was she as mesmerizing as the author wanted her to be. The ending was rather anticlimactic, abrupt, and unsatisfying. These criticisms aside, the book was still entertaining, yet not quite as memorable as "The Birth of Venus."
Audio to text: Bravo!.......2007-07-09
I have to say the audio of this fine book is the first book I've listened to on CD, and I had a fine time of it! So much so that I bought the hardcover book and am now immersed in that. I didn't just want the abridged version. I wanted the whole cake.
--James Conroyd Martin, Author of PUSH NOT THE RIVER Push Not the River and AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY Against a Crimson Sky: A Novel
In the Company of the Courtesan.......2007-07-04
I had just read "Birth of Venus" by this author and decided to try a second one. That period of history in Italy interest me, and I think she does an outstanding job of weaving history and fiction into both novels.
Book Description
Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary.
Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king of Navarre. As his mistress, Gabrielle hopes she might one day become the power behind the French throne. But her plans are jeopardized by Captain Nicolas Rémy, a devoted warrior whose love Gabrielle desires–and fears–above all. She will also incur the malevolence of the Dark Queen, Catherine de’ Medici, whose spies and witch-hunters are legion, and who will summon the black arts to maintain her authority. With the lives of those she loves in peril, Gabrielle must rebel against her queen to fulfill a glorious destiny she has sacrificed everything to gain.
Alive with vivid period detail and characters as vibrant as they are memorable, The Courtesan is a sweeping historical tale of dangerous intrigues, deep treachery, and one woman’s unshakable resolve to honor her heart.
Download Description
Chapter One
Gabrielle Cheney peered through the slits of her mask, picking her way carefully along the path overgrown with weeds. The courtyard of the Maison d’ Esprit was silent as a ceme- tery and twice as eerie. The moon cast a pale light over moss- blackened fountains and broken statuary. Some headless saint presided over the withered remains of a rose garden. The flowers were long gone, but the thorns were not, one branch catching at the hem of Gabrielle’s cloak.
As she bent to free herself, she was beset by the troubling sensation that had afflicted her all evening. The feeling that she was being followed. Straightening, she curled her fingers over the hilt of the sword hidden beneath her cloak and whirled around. The iron gate and stone wall were nothing more than vague outlines in the fog-bound night. But as she stared, another figure took shape, that of a tall proud warrior.
Her hand fell away from the sword and she uttered a soft choked cry. Not of fear, but more of despair because she had seen the silhouette of this man far too many times in her dreams. She took a step forward only to check the motion, knowing it would do her no good. There would be no smile to greet her, no strong arms to welcome her because he didn’t exist, this phantom man. All she would find was empty space and silence.
Ghosts left no footfalls and memories cast no shadows, except perhaps on the human heart. She watched the figure of the man evaporate into the mist as he always did. Gabrielle had never once seen his face, but she knew beyond certainty who he was.
Nicolas Remy, the captain from Navarre. Whether it was his ghost she kept seeing or only a figment of her own tormented imagination, the effect was always the same. Gabrielle’s heart constricted with sorrow and guilt.
“Oh, Remy,” she murmured. “I’ve asked your forgiveness a thousand times. What more do you want from me? Why can’t you leave me in peace?”
She knew she would never gain any answer to that question, at least not in this damp, misty courtyard. With one last glance behind her, Gabrielle turned and hastened toward the house.
The stone manor loomed ahead of her, splintered wood and a great hole where the front door should be, gaping like the jagged mouth of some fierce beast ready to devour her. But Gabrielle feared the ghosts of her own memories far more than she did the sinister aspect of the house. Besides she knew the truth behind the legends of the Maison d’Esprit far better than the superstitious Parisians who blessed themselves every time they had to pass those rusting gates.
Easing past the shattered remains of the door, she entered the house, the darkness swallowing her. The boarded-up windows blocked out what pale moonlight there was to be had. Gabrielle stripped off her mask and reached beneath her cloak for the large pouch fastened to her belt. She groped until she found the candle set in its small brass holder, along with the tinderbox she had brought. After much fumbling between flint and wick, she managed to coax the taper to light.
The tiny flame spluttered to life, casting a small circle of illumination. Gabrielle moved deeper into the room that yawned before her, the grit crunching beneath her feet. Holding up the candle, she surveyed the wreckage of the once-magnificent great hall. The bishop had done very handsomely by his mistress until the witch-hunters had come.
A beautiful high table of carved oak had been pulled from the dais and overturned, the broken remains of chairs and stools littered nearby. Tapestries had been dragged from the walls and sliced to ribbons, the musty scent of rotting wool heavy in the air. Even the iron candelabrum had been wrenched from the ceiling and left with its chain snaking around it. Everything was coated with thick cobwebs as though time had sought to weave a shroud for this house.
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Customer Reviews:
Boring.......2007-08-29
After reading the first book in the trilogy and loving it, I eagerly started this one. It was so bad I read about 1/3 and haven't picked it up again.
Complex and passionate.......2007-08-08
Three years have passed since we last met the ladies of the Faire Isle. Gabrielle Cheney's fled to Paris, at last reacting to her feelings about her horrific rape, but sadly in the worst possible way - she's become a courtesan in the court of the Dark Queen, Catherine de Medici. If she can't control men lusting after her beauty, at least she can `use' them herself. No man has her love like Captain Remy - nicknamed the Scourge - and he died in the bloody massacre on St. Bartholomew's Eve three years ago. ...Or did he? To her stunned surprise he's very much alive, and still the battered soldier of her heart. Ah, but romance isn't that easy. Remy`s incredibly torn. He loves and adores Gabrielle, but is desperate that his king - a captive in Catherine's court - escape and rule Navarre. However, the king wants Gabrielle (and his country, of course, but everything in due time), and Remy - an honourable soldier - must bow to his king's desires! The powerful, dangerous Catherine de Medici craves the fabled Book Of Shadows, a book rumoured to contain the blackest secrets of magic known to mankind. She'll do anything to get it, and to maintain her foul, evil reign, and her hold over Gabrielle and Remy. Then there's Simon, the youthful witch hunter from The Dark Queen. He's now adult, a scarred, terrifying threat to all the daughters of the earth, hunting them down for trial (and death). ...Well! It's best to just dive into this book, stunning in its romance, and enriched with the tapestry of real history woven around the incredible plot.
So disappointing........2007-04-06
This was a book club choice, and as an example of a book I would likely never have chosen myself, it was perfect. If you're looking for a historical novel, however, pass on this one. Sure, there are historical characters in it, but the book isn't about any of them. The book is a romance novel, full of angst, longing, yearning, needing, and burning, unrelenting passion. Clothes get ripped off, lips are crushed by violent, demanding (and ultimately answered, of course) kisses, and the whole thing is wrapped in a bunch of personal history and shame that just drags out the drama. Get most of these folks on a therapist's couch for some group discussion for about 45 minutes and there wouldn't be a book here.
Beyond that, the writing is just clunky. Character development and history (such as it is) comes at the reader with no subtlety at all. Taking a positive spin, this is a really quick read because you can skip big chunks of each page.
If you're looking for some light beach reading, this isn't the worst you could find. Even though this isn't set in the same period, I kept finding myself wishing I was just reading Mists of Avalon again instead of this, if I was going to read about "wise women" and witchcraft, so if that's what drew, I would suggest Mists instead.
Very good read.......2007-02-18
I thoughly enjoyed this book, as much or more than "The Dark Queen." The characters were more flawed in this one, and I liked Remy and Gabrielle the best from the beginning. I am a fan of this series; much more than the "Bridefinders."
If you like the first one. . ........2007-01-04
If you enjoyed The Dark Queen you will enjoy this piece. I always seem to think the first one is best and hence the second installment is still wonderful and exciting. It still has adventure converged with a love story and a sense of healing. I love the themes of the book.
Book Description
Amid the disapproving gossip of the Court, a royal romance defies all obstacles.
The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King’s obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King’s favourite, Anne d’Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King’s mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.
Neglected by his father and disliked by his brothers, Prince Henri expects little from his life. But as his friendship with Diane deepens into infatuation and then a romance that scandalizes the Court, the Prince begins to discover hope for a future with Diane. But fate and his father have other plans for Henri—including a political marriage with Catherine de Medici. Despite daunting obstacles, Henri’s devotion to Diane never wanes; their passion becomes one of the most legendary romances in the history of France.
Also available as an eBook
Customer Reviews:
........2007-09-21
This book was wonderful. At times I had trouble putting it down. I would get this in hard back to have to read again and again!
Beautiful Love Story.......2007-06-28
Diane Haeger brings to life the passion of a French King and his life time love, Diane de Poiters. She uses their real life love letters and french history, breathing life in to a long lost royal court. She puts a good spin on the age gap between the two lovers. She describes Catherine de'Medici and the politics surrounding that marriage perfectly. Tragic and beautiful all at once. A pleasure to read.
Well done.......2007-06-08
A new look at an old favorite (pun intended). This novel makes Henri and Diane sympathic and interesting. The passion is there but so are the interesting people
LOVED IT!.......2006-09-24
I am an avid reader of all of Haeger's historical fiction and have enjoyed all of them, this one no exception! I get so wrapped up in the characters that I'm sad when I near the end of the book. One of my favorite things about her books is that you can research the characters and see paintings of what the actual people looked like and buy more books about them.
Has some icky flaws, some romantic sap, but it still a very good book (4.5 stars).......2006-08-04
In spite of the fact that this book was the first novel of the queen of sappy historical romance novels this is a pretty good book. Historically, it's not totally accurate, but hey, it is fiction.
This is the story of a King of France, Henri, and his long time mistress, Diane. Now, when I say long time, I mean like almost 30 years long time. This kid was in love with this woman when she was governess. Did I mention the 16 year age difference? I had the misfortune to read a historical non-fiction book about their situation called "The Serpent and the Moon" which is written by a descendent of Diane, and of Henri's wife Catherine de Medici. I say misfortune because it was one boring book, but it did provide many historical facts. Such as, the relationship between Henry and Diane probably did not become sexual until he was almost twenty, not when he was 14 or 15 and she was 31 or 32, as in this book.
That's the major problem with this novel actually; it glorifies a relationship that really just reminded me of the whole Mary Kay Laterno scandal. So that part of the novel was fairly icky and a little creepy. The one thing I really dislikes about this book (aside from the sap) was that the first 100 pages are totally devoted to Diane lusting after almost pubescent boys because her marriage was loveless. I mean, get some control lady! He's your daughter's age! It makes much more sense that the sexual aspect of their relationship developed later on. If you want a good argument for that read "The Serpent and the Moon" but don't say I didn't warn you.
But other than that this is solid historical fiction that is, at times, quite mesmerizing. The relationships of those involved are often nowhere near as interesting as the politics and court life of the time, which is a welcome relief from the endless sappy speeches of Henri and Diane. Catherine is a fascinating, if always maligned character, and the backdrop of renaissance France is perfectly done. As a novel, this is definitely something I would read again. I really liked it for all its flaws, and it made me want to read more of Ms. Haeger's work, even though I didn't really like "The secret wife of King George IV" all that much. This is a far better, more developed novel with a setting and backdrop that is fascinating and puts you right in the thick of things.
If you can cut through the minimal sap and the marginal pedophilia in this book you'll probably love it. Four point five stars.
Average customer rating:
- Historical and exotic but confusing
- A historical fiction novel focusing on the theme of professional seduction and sex
- Mossanen's second novel
- A sense-fulfilling novel
- COURTESAN WITH THE HEART OF A FEMINIST
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Courtesan: A Novel
Dora Levy Mossanen
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary
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ASIN: 0743246780 |
Book Description
Set amid the elegant châteaux of Belle époque France and the closely guarded world of nineteenth-century Persian women, Courtesan unfolds with the breathtaking cinematic sweep and stunning visual grandeur of an epic film. At its heart are three unforgettable women: Madame Gabrielle, the courtesan whose fateful liaison with the shah of Persia reverberates in the lives of her daughter, Françoise, and her rebellious and brave granddaughter, Simone, whose journey plunges her into the cutthroat diamond trade, where the secrets of an ancient culture may hold the truth she desperately seeks.
Customer Reviews:
Historical and exotic but confusing.......2006-04-14
I just finished this book and was glad to be done with it. While the locales were exotic and intriguing enough to keep me reading, the writing was uneven at best, almost as thought it was a bad translation or something. Im not sure a better editor could have helped it. The author jumped from locale to locale in a jilting way and most of the relationships were never believable. It is my understanding that her first novel 'Harem' was critically acclaimed but having read this one first I won't bother with Harem.
A historical fiction novel focusing on the theme of professional seduction and sex.......2005-09-23
The author of HAREM, Dora Levy Mossanen's latest work is COURTESAN, which, like her previous novel, focuses on the theme of professional seduction and sex. COURTESAN's protagonists are three women from three different generations: Madame Gabrielle, the matriarch and grandmother of the d'Honore family; Gabrielle's daughter, Francoise; and Simone, Francoise's daughter. Both Gabrielle and Francoise are courtesans --- high-priced French prostitutes. They're wealthy and powerful and have been in bed with many wealthy and powerful men. Simone, however, is repulsed by this life and believes in true love. Gabrielle tries her best to convince Simone otherwise, introducing Simone to her world by persuading a Persian jeweler to be Simone's first experience. Unfortunately for Gabrielle, Simone and Cyrus fall in love, marry, and move away to Tehran against Gabrielle's wishes.
The first half of the novel reads like a romance. The focus then shifts to Cyrus and his work with red diamonds. There is a mystery associated with these diamonds, as Cyrus thinks he's discovered something that is illegal and tries to determine what it is. When he disappears and is thought to be dead, Simone goes into mourning but is then determined to find out what happened to Cyrus --- and eventually finds herself in the middle of this mystery.
Cyrus courted Simone with red diamonds when he first met her, and he also wore a red diamond in his ear. The diamonds are central to their story, but at the same time Simone's need to be her own person and not the courtesan her mother and grandmother want her to be drives the story.
The shifts in time Mossanen employed throughout the book were not to my liking as they were choppy and without rhythm, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. What I found most pleasurable were the characters and backdrop of the story. 1900s Persia and Paris offer a romantic setting amid the world of the wealthy courtesans. Madame Gabrielle, with her ability to speak to spirits, was especially fun to read about. She has all sorts of wonderfully interesting dead spirits hanging around her, including Franz Liszt and Oscar Wilde, and they can be found floating under her armpits and sitting on her breasts, giving advice or commentary. Very lighthearted bantering goes back and forth between Gabrielle and her many old lovers --- some long gone, others only recently deceased.
The character of Simone stood out because she's strong and not afraid to defy her family's "heritage." The most riveting part for me was learning about the true history of Simone's family and the fact that Gabrielle had hidden from her daughter and granddaughter their real identity and where they came from.
What Mossanen does best in her books is detail beautiful historically romantic settings and describe characters in such a way that they all come to life as on the big screen. Her stories span long periods and her characters' lives are based on history, but there is always that touch of the spirit world that sneaks into her stories. While COURTESAN could have used more structure, it was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to more of Mossanen's work.
--- Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton [...]
Mossanen's second novel.......2005-09-18
COURTESAN by Dora Levy Mossanen
September 17, 2005
Amazon Rating: 4/5 stars
The story of three generations of French prostitutes, COURTESAN is the love story between a Persian jeweler and the daughter and granddaughter of French courtesans, who only wants to find love.
Simone is part of a legacy spanning three generations of expensive courtesans living in Paris. Simone, however, does not have plans to follow in her mother and grandmother's footsteps. Madame Gabrielle, the matriarch of the family, is very disappointed but tries to convince Simone to follow in the family trade by introducing Simone to a Persian jeweler, whose expertise is in red diamonds. Unfortunately for Gabrielle, Simone and Cyrus fall in love and marry. To escape her family's disappointment in her, they move to the mountains of Tehran where they live in peace and happiness.
While the book starts out as a romance, it soon takes on the feel of a mystery, when Cyrus disappears and is presumed dead, and Simone tries to put the pieces together and find her husband's murderers. The center of the mystery is the red diamonds, and Simone believes that he knew something about these diamonds that endangered his life.
While part of COURTESAN focuses on the mystery of the red diamonds and Cyrus's disappearance and probable murder, the other important theme is the family origins of the Honore' family. The reader will learn, through Gabrielle's letters to Simone, the truth about their family, and what Gabrielle tried to hide from her daughter and granddaughter for all those years. In turn, a few of the characters in the book are not who they claim to be, and by the end of the story, the reader will fully understand Gabrielle's epic-like story and how her life as a courtesan came to be.
I enjoyed COURTESAN, but not as much as I loved her debut, HAREM, which I felt, was better written. Despite having said that, I do recommend COURTESAN for lovers of historical fiction. I will definitely read her next novel, whatever it may be.
A sense-fulfilling novel.......2005-08-21
This marvellous novel is a lush, romantic symphony in which "the clatter of faraway hooves," and "the rumble of carriage wheels," provide the percussive background for period settings, intriguing characters, and the pursuit of red diamonds. A "lust-tinged air" is present throughout an abundance of such rare, magical scenes, as when stallions are attacked by fireflies, and a lemon drink "laced with darkling beetles" is prescribed to enhance memory. Levy-Mossanen's breathtaking descriptions fulfill all the senses and leave nothing to be desired. COURTESAN is fiction at its most artistically satisfying and intellectually transporting.
COURTESAN WITH THE HEART OF A FEMINIST .......2005-07-23
IN "COURTESAN," DORA MOSSANEN DELIVERS A WONDERFUL TWIST. IN THE STORY, THROUGH THE TALENT AND DARING OF A FRENCH-JEWISH WOMAN, NOW A GRANDMOTHER, CATERING TO MEN IN EXCHANGE FOR MONEY, STYLE, AND STATUS OF A CERTAIN SORT HAS BECOME THE FAMILY BUSINESS. WE, THE READER, HAVE THE GOOD LUCK TO BE ALONG FOR THE RIDE IN THE PLAYING-OUT OF THE PROBLEM THAT ARISES WHEN THE GRAND-DAUGHTER IN THIS DYNASTY MANIFESTS RANK DISLOYALTY AND UTTER BAD TASTE BY ACTUALLY FALLING-IN-LOVE. THIS IS A WONDERFUL, EXOTIC AND STYLISH READ. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
Average customer rating:
- Another look at publishing today.....
- That Beautiful Book
- A timeless literary journey
- Those Beautiful Eyes
- Hypnotic, engaging and fascinating
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Those Beautiful Eyes
Ann Cowart Lutzky
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0595202217 |
Book Description
This lushly beautiful novel glides smoothly between ancient and modern realities, from temple gardens to San Francisco bedrooms, Greek Islands and African riverboats, giving a far-reaching perspective on human desire and compassion.
In a farming village between Mesopotamia and Mohenjo-Daro, 2700 B.C., a young mother is about to become a medicine woman. Anarisha lies ill with fever that takes her into other identities. She lives out an alternative present, as priestess/courtesan of the goddess Inanna, and visits the lives of her own descendants―married multiracial filmmaker Michael Dagan; Michael's obsession, the beautiful Maria; and his "player" businessman father, David―global-villagers of the 20/21st century. Within interconnected worlds, each a netherworld of self-delusion, Anarisha faces her greatest challenge. She must transcend the power of earthly attachment to reach the farther shore, as the Buddha named it, of all-seeing compassion.
With exquisite voice, Lutzky provides a spellbinding experience of Anarisha's journey to serene awareness. Current intriguing knowledge of ancient archetypes, rituals, mythology and culture is interwoven with abundant insights into our last five decades--especially concerning nature and male/female relationship. Like beautiful eyes, this mesmerizing saga of the human family is both erotic and spiritual as it contemplates passion, impermanence, and transformation.
Customer Reviews:
Another look at publishing today............2006-10-27
This is a "vanity press" book. If a writer such as Mrs. Lutzky cannot (it would seem) find an agent and that agent find a publisher, it merely indicates how distressed the book business is these days. Fortunately, yes, there are still many good writers and many agents/publishers to work with them. Of course, I may have this all wrong and it's a reprint of previously published material, but I do not believe that to be the case.
Whatever the case, this is no reflection on Those Beautiful Eyes nor the author. This is a stunning work of literature and I'm glad to see there are others who agree with my determination.
That Beautiful Book.......2005-08-20
Other reviewers have given an overview of the contents of this beautiful novel, so I will only make a few remarks about my own experience in reading it. I bought this book on impulse, something I rarely do. I don't read novels for entertainment, but rather to be touched deeply at the feeling core of my being. Very few novels do that, but this one did. My love for ancient history was fed by the author's fine evocation of life in 2700 BCE, a time I well recall from a lifetime of dreams and reveries of Mohenjo-Daro.
The characters of Anarisha (in 2700 BC) and Maria (in modern times) are the most vividly drawn, and well brought to life by the strong supporting cast. I read this book slowly, savoring every word. The book is well-written enough to allow this kind of deep immersion without becoming thin or shallow. The ending was perhaps a bit contrived, but still satisfying.
I just finished the book this morning and I still cannot separate myself from it enough to give a fully objective evaluation. For one thing, there were a stunning number of coincidences between the dates and places in the book and those of my own life. This added much to my reading experience, but could not possibly be shared by very many other readers. For (only a very few of many) examples: Born in 1945; life changing month of June, 1963; entered UC Berkeley Fall, 1963 (I feel I knew the author then, but I can't be certain); first child born 1974; an unexpected tragic death in 1998; and far too many more to mention without boring you. And the Dhammapada, that constant companion and guide of my life. Certainly a part of my appreciation for this book was that the author was somehow, inexplicably, writing the story of my own life -- not merely the sense of it, which can be found in other books, but the details, which I don't know how she could have known.
A remarkable literary achievement, this book is "almost aesthetically perfect" like Michael Dagan's films. Ann, by pouring your life into this story, you have accomplished your life's work. Now it's time to go beyond being a Buddhist, and to become a Buddha.
A timeless literary journey.......2005-08-17
A timeless and sumptuous exploration of the fluidity of the ages and our spiritual connections, THOSE BEAUTIFUL EYES is a true feast for the senses.
From ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day San Francisco, in delicate yet masterful prose, this novel depicts the lives and fates of a village girl in service to a goddess, a dancer, and a film maker and his wife, while reflecting on the corrupting influence that the quest for recognition, power and wealth has on the soul. Ms Lutzky's wealth of historical research shines through without interfering with the sublime clarity of her tale - one that carries deep roots in Eastern philosophies. A sensual celebration of longing and loss, of the fragility of love and our forgotten past, this is literature of the highest order - an intelligent, deeply powerful book that cannot fail to leave the reader yearning for more. Highly recommended for fans of Isabel Allende or Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Those Beautiful Eyes.......2002-06-03
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Lutzky's "Those Beautiful Eyes". Slipping back and forth through time kept me on my toes but the modern characters were so involving that I found myself wondering about them and where the story was headed...much as one would absently think about friends and their lives.
Of course I identified with certain characters and their struggles with life and relationships. Very convincing stuff. I suspect that Ms. Lutzky has indeed a connection to another time and place...a must read!
Hypnotic, engaging and fascinating.......2002-05-11
A beautiful story of transcendence; transcendence of passion and will of a beautiful priestess in an ancient time to transcendence of time and space. A fascinating life journey that plays out in exotic sites across the world with seamless writing by the author. The colorful character of Anarishka stimulates the imagination. Anne Cowart Lutzky's writing is novel, intriguing, and absorbing. Highly recommended.
Book Description
Violet Durbin lives a quiet life on the fringes of society until she crosses paths with the Duke of Hawkinson, when the duke tries to prevent his nephew from seeing her and in the process falls in love with her.
Customer Reviews:
An emotionally charged tale of passion.......2007-08-07
Set in Regency England, Known to All: A Regency Historical Novel is the dramatic story of an beautiful yet illegitimate girl's struggle to rise above her past and secure lasting happiness for herself. Young Violet's father is sufficiently moved by love to marry her mother, who was formerly his mistress, and publically acknowledge Violet as his daughter - a rare and daring occurrence in those times. But society will not forgive Violet her past, in which she was briefly forced to become a man's mistress at the tender age of thirteen. Though she longs to live a normal life, and holds love and marriage in high regard, powerful men charmed by her beauty strive to possess her as at best a mistress, at worst an object. An emotionally charged tale of passion, the search for a meaningful life, and the desire to escape sexual relationships tantamount to slavery.
Love Transforms the Worst!.......2007-06-15
Hawk, or the Duke of Hawkinston as he is known, has very firm ideas about who belongs to the wealthy, acceptable, respectable social class. Little does he expect to fall passionately in love with a woman whom he has warned his nephew, Jared, will always be an outcast because of her lowly origins.
Through no fault of her own, Violet Durbin carries a tainted reputation, somewhat redeemed by the marriage of her mother to Viscount Kelly. While her mother was known to be a mistress, Violet carries a shameful memory known to too many and wonders if she will ever be seen for her real inner worth. But the love of her father and mother has left her with some pride, a gift that rises to the occasion as Hawk becomes more and more besotted with her.
Once one passes the phase where both male and female characters all initially seem like cads and phonies, the plot quickens and speeds along in a fascinating manner. For Hawk is neither the only one yearning to unite with Violet nor the only one to go far beyond the norm to get what he wants. There are some fascinating scenes where the secrets of the rich and famous are starkly depicted, be it gambling or drinking or just plain wicked conniving.
Midpoint in the novel, the plot becomes intriguingly complex and never slows down until the expected and unexpected ending the reader will never forget. A light and pleasant read for the summer, Known to All has much to say about life being far from what it seems. Gloria Gay inserts plenty of suspense, humor and provocative romance for many memorable hours! Nice work!
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on June 14, 2007
Excellent and Original Regency Read - 4-1/2*.......2007-04-29
When Philip Durbin, Viscount Kelly, married his former mistress, Sadie Welsh he publicly acknowledged and adopted his illegitimate daughter, Violet. Both she and her mother were shunned by most of the ton because of Violet's past; when as a 13 year old she was forced into sexual slavery by her then courtesan mother's former lover.
Although Violet could care less about acceptance into ton society, she would be forever grateful to her father for his unselfish act of acknowledging her. Conducting herself with proper decorum she was now extremely circumspect in her day to day behavior - adamant to never bring shame to her father's name. Stunningly beautiful, she was constantly approached with reprehensible propositions from gentlemen and had become quite adept at discouraging most. Unfortunately there would be some who were most determined and then again, there were some who would turn out to be downright dangerous. Only one young man was offering her marriage as soon as he reached his majority, but his guardian and uncle, the Duke of Hawkinston, was determined to save his nephew by taking the young woman as his mistress. A proposition Violet was not about to accept even though the duke's very presence made her heart sing.
*** For all the Regency Romance lovers out there, here is one book you do not want to miss. Having had the opportunity to read and review several of this author's prior novels I was most anxious to read her latest. What I've come to expect is a well researched and thoroughly entertaining read, and in that I was not disappointed.
Violet was a completely enchanting heroine who won my sympathy for having been victimized as a child, through no fault of her own, and was still having to pay the price because of it. When approached by the Duke of Hawkinston (Hawk) with his offer, Violet was seriously attracted but stood firm on her vow to never bring dishonor to her father's name who was paying the price of being shunned by society for both marrying beneath him and acknowledging his illegitimate child.
Hawk, entranced by Violet's beauty, was amazed that Violet did not accept his offer and from there the author takes the reader on a merry chase as Hawk continues to pursue Violet. Knowing of Violet's devotion to her parents he cleverly gains points in his favor by elevating her family's standing by inviting and hosting an elaborate house party in her honor. Hawk was crafted early on as an arrogant and haughty individual who was used to getting what he wanted and his inner reflections on his bad behavior towards Violet was rendered beautifully by the author. The reader is able to see him grow as Violet who has nothing else to lose, speaks up and shows him just how rude and insulting his offers were to her, even as her heart is soon yielding to him.
The author filled the book with a plethora of interesting secondary characters, one of which was the villain. Her interpretation of his obsession with Violet was frightening in his deviousness of using others to get what he wanted and was extremely well done.
Bottom line, I found KNOWN TO ALL a very compelling and thoughtful read that was for me a breath of fresh air. It's original and creative plot with exceptionally intelligent dialogues kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end - a marvelous read I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
Intriguing look into Regency life on the fringes of society........2007-04-11
Miss Violet Durbin knows she will never be accepted by the ton. And it really doesn't bother her. She's more concerned about the feelings of her ex-courtesan mother, Lady Sadie Kelly, and her father, Lord Kelly. When Sadie's French noble parents moved to England, they were hard up for money and Sadie did the only thing she could. She became a courtesan. When Lord Kelly began feeling too much for Sadie, he rid himself of his mistress. Years later, they came across each other and Lord Kelly married Sadie, also giving legitimacy to Violet after she was forced into becoming a man's mistress at the tender age of fourteen. Due to her father's selfless act, Violet is determined to never bring any scandal to his name. With her reputation, Violet has learned how to gracefully turn down any offers from noblemen wanting to make her their mistress. Violet has also decided not to get married. Since her father made sure he provided for her, Violet knows it won't be necessary. Even though Jared has made it clear he will offer for her when he attains his majority, Violet has always looked upon him as a younger brother and has no intention of accepting his offer.
When the Duke of Hawkinston hears of Jared's preoccupation with Miss Violet Durbin, he raises many objections to the possible match due to Violet's unacceptability. Determined to meet this young woman, arranges to go to a musicale and ball Lord Kelly is hosting. After one look at Miss Violet Durbin, the duke decides he will make her his mistress. Since he's always gotten whatever he has wanted in life, he has no doubt Violet will accept. After all, he is a duke. So he is quite shocked when she declines his offer. Determined to have her as his mistress, the duke arranges for a house party at his castle with his sister acting as hostess in order to gain his goal. However, the duke and Jared are not the only men interested in Miss Violet Durbin.
Will Violet give in and become mistress to the Duke of Hawkinston? Will the duke ever realize just how very arrogant and self-indulgent he has become? Will Lord and Lady Kelly ever be accepted into society?
KNOWN TO ALL is an intriguing Regency romp. Author Gloria Gay weaves a tale of intrigue and danger in the Regency era. While Violet must cope with her growing feelings for the duke and her ill mother and the disdain of the ton, the Duke of Hawkinston is forced to become a bit introspective and learn exactly what his life has become. This story does provide a look into the life of people not accepted by society and how they deal with things.
Book Description
According to a Latin American proverb, in order for a woman to discover her power over men, she must learn to be a lady in the living room, a chef in the kitchen, and a courtesan in the bedroom. After perfecting the grace and elegance of each, a woman will ultimately understand her own potential in life, and the command she has over everyone around her, including herself.
When Pilar is left her grandmother's legacy books, she not only discovers what she is missing in her own life but also discovers the secret life her grandmother carried with her to her grave.
Bound in black silk, the three books teach the sacred beauty rituals that South American women have followed for centuries, the rules of social etiquette every young woman must master, and delicious recipes to seduce men -- recipes that can teach the strong-willed Pilar how to be the perfect lady, wife, and lover.
As Pilar reads through the diaries, she slowly begins to discover the importance of tradition and how to incorporate the secrets into her life as an independent, professional woman. And finally, perhaps -- with her grandmother's wise words floating in her mind -- she will find the courage to follow her heart, wherever it may lead.
Weaving together the story of a modern woman with that of a grandmother's time-honored traditions, The Lady, the Chef, and the Courtesan is a compelling novel of history, seduction, love -- and what it truly means to be a woman.
Customer Reviews:
The book has some valid points although it is archaic.......2005-08-15
Pilar Castillo, living in Chicago as a journalist, learns of her grandmother's death and leaves for her native country Venezuela to attend her funeral. Arriving there she sees a mysterious man who tosses a wreath of flowers and a charm into the ground where the coffin lays. Pilar wonders who the man is.
Coming home to the neighborhood where her grandmother lived and died is reminiscent of the days where things were slow-paced and simple. Time never let the city fade. The flora of the city Los Rosales has never been touched by ecological disasters. It remains filled with eucalyptus, orange blossoms, birds of paradise, and wine-red bougainvillea. The scents draw her into a time period.
Going between the past and the present, Marisol reflects on a time period where women were expected to be married and have children. They were to remain virtuous for marriage. Pilar is given a set of diaries that Gabriela Grenales de Knowles has left. As she reads them on her trip back to Chicago, she discovers who the real Gabriela is.
Gabriela was groomed to be a lady by her mother and a servant of native Indian/Spanish descent as a child. It would carry with her throughout her adult life. She had to learn to entertain her audience, prepare meals, and sexually gratify her partner. Upkeeping tradition was important to her but at what cost? The cost of a real love. She was in love with Jorge Armando. But she couldn't marry him because his family was mixed. As much money as Jorge's family had, her family forbid it. They were full-blooded European tracing their ancestry to the Spanish.
Gabriela married an Englishman and had a daughter with him. But it wasn't enough for her. Her true love was Jorge and rebelling against tradition would have cost her her reputation and her family. The diaries are a layout for her granddaughter to follwo but to do it on her own terms.
The Lady, the Chef, and the Courtesan, based on a South American proverb was good to read because it does layout some grooming techniques, reminiscent of what it is to be feminine. However I was disturbed by the racial makeupShe focused too much on the indigenous Indians, mixed Indian/Spanish and Spanish. She did not mention that there are people of African descent living in Venezuela nor did she present any of their traditions that could have helped the novel a bit.
It is a good book to read when you are going to work and coming home from work on the train.
Reader, beware.......2004-12-09
It is possible to have an interesting book club discussion about this novel, the issues it raises of how women view themselves and how their society views them. However, readers should be aware that this book contains several extended and very explicit scenes of men engaging in oral sex with the two protaganists, Pilar and Gabriella. Supposedly these experiences were pivotal moments in these women's personal lives. Perhaps. But not only are these scenes jarring, they are clumsily written - much closer to my idea of pornography than Latin American sensual literary tradition. A disappointing read, for me.
All I can say is Wow!.......2004-10-28
Got this at the library yesterday; finished it today. Roughly 240 pages. That's the sign of a good book. When was the last time you've had a 5-star read?
It's so eerie...almost as if this book found me. I am sure many women will be able to relate to it if they have ever been in a love they cannot forget, a love impossible to explain, yet lingers in the depth of your being. In this book, it is purported to happen only "once" in a lifetime; i.e. your "orchard of truth". The grandmother's advice in this book? "When you find your orchard of truth, you must find a way to enter it..." There is so much wisdom in this book. The beauty rituals alone are worth the price. I will compile notes to incorporate many of them into my life as well as with my daughters. I learned so much about culture and traditions; about the importance of being a woman and living life true to self -- not for others. About knowing yourself before sharing yourself with others; about saving yourself for true love. It's all about following your heart to minimize a life of regrets.
Some portions of the book delve into true intimacy and will be a little risque for some I suspect, but truth prevails in its entirety for those who are honest with love.
This will definitely be purchased to add to my library. It's been a long time since I have been brought to tears with a book, but Marisol hit the nail on the head. She is so eloquent a writer, she says things precisely the way I feel. How does she do that?
For any woman in her 30's (and above) who has contemplated life, where she is, where she is going and choices that she has made at the sacrifice of self, this book is for you. I guarantee it will give you a new lease on life. I am most grateful to Marisol and this gem of a novel. Bravo!
the lady, the chef, the courtesean.......2004-06-18
I chose this book for our book club because of a review I read in the Denver Post and information about the author. I truly enjoyed this book because I have had such a special relationship with my grandmother, and this book captured a real essence of our special times together. I know that this will "insult" a lot of women, but it is so important to truly love and honor the man that you chose to spend your life with. This novel put this into perspective for me. No matter what our cultures are, it is important to keep "those secrets" within the confines of our homes. I loved this book!
Not sure what to think..........2004-03-26
I'm not entirely sure what to think about this book; some of it seems to be shallow and objectify women, but I think it slightly redeems itself towards the end. The beginning few chapters really put me off to the book, since I disagree with many of the social views about women that were put forward. However, I understand the historical reference and how women existed in those days, yet it still didn't sit too well.
I was surprised by the graphic and explicit sexual detail. I expected some, but some of this here seemed out of place - almost added in un-necessarily.
In spite of all this, I think I began to enjoy it toward the end. Gabriela's story of love and loss is amazing, and one I think can learn from. You need to be true to your heart, and live your life according to your wishes, not the wishes friends and family impose on you. In addition to being eloquently told, it flows quickly; due to the way it's told, you don't feel too bogged down with extraneous words and it's tone is conversational - all words from a grandmother to her niece. This book also makes it easy to feel with the characters. You mourn for Gabriela and you yearn for Pilar to find what she wants and make the right decisions. So in all, I think it's a great story, but bits of it are wrapped in shallow fluff.
Book Description
These eight tales from the Song and Ming Dynasties present readers with a colorful tapestry of adventure and misadventure, erotic romance, crafty intrigue, supernatural fantasy, comedies of errors, and crimes and punishment in sixteenth and seventeenth century China.
Customer Reviews:
As engaging for lay readers as it is for dedicated students.......2007-05-08
Skillfully translated into English by Ted Wang & Chen Chen, The Oil Vendor and the Courtesan is a collection selected stories by Feng Menglong (1574-1646), during China's Ming dynasty. Merchants, scholars, housewives, magistrates, craftsmen, courtesans, abbots, nuns, and children populate these creative, witty, and insightful tales, which cover a surprisingly broad cross-section of Chinese life of the era, both urban and rural. As engaging for lay readers as it is for dedicated students of Chinese culture and literature, The Oil Vendor and the Courtesan is a wondrous work of classical literature, highly recommended. Readers hungry for more are sure to enjoy the previous anthology in the series, "Two Slaps" collecting more tales by Feng's contemporary, Ling Mengchu (1580-1644).
Product Description
3 Books: 1) Leonardo's Swans: A Novel / 2) In the Company of the Courtesan: A Novel / 3) I, Mona Lisa (Unboxed Set of Historical Fiction Books), in either Hard or Softcover, (See Seller Condition Comments), Shipped in one package to
save on shipping costs.
Average customer rating:
- A sensual Who Is It contemporary novel
|
The Courtesan - a Her Forbidden Sinners novel
Terrian Demidson
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
Adult Fiction
| Erotica
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Erotica
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1411612140 |
Book Description
Most women believe they know everything there is to know about their closest friends and family members, even their most intimate transgressions. But some past sins are meant to be kept secret. This novel details the consequences of an ill-fated affair from long ago. Unbeknownst to tennis-loving Porcia Martin, a single black female living in Atlanta, the sensual and often forbidden sins of someone close to her, The Courtesan, is used to camouflage a devastating secret from the past. When the secret, and The Courtesan, are finally revealed, Porcia realizes she must make a decision about the love of her life. (This is the first book of the Her Forbidden Sinners series...Look for "The Proselyte" in the near future)
Customer Reviews:
A sensual Who Is It contemporary novel.......2004-11-18
I liked it...Had a sort of mystery feel to it as the courtesan is not identified until the end of the book. I liked the secret that forced her into being so seductive and having affairs.
The main character is a black woman who has some issues, but is still very attractive and likeable. The fun part was trying to guess which one of her girlfriends was the courtesan. I was wrong about who it was. Then I went back over the book to find some clues I may have missed, especially in the prologue which was about a white woman shooting her cheating white husband. That was a very good prologue.
Most of all, it was an enjoyable read.
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