Book Review – The Courtesan’s Lover

by Gabrielle Kimm (Sphere) ISBN 9 780751 544558

This is a read of passion, lust and power.

In 1564 it was difficult for a single woman to make a living. One can hardly call it a decent living. But if you were young, absolutely stunningly beautiful and had a body to match, then wealthy men, middle-aged and bored with their stiff wives, would call on these courtesans and fulfil all their lusty dreams – for a price. Everything was very discreetly managed and the lovers sometimes found themselves becoming very fond of these beautiful women.

Francesca Felizzi was the former mistress of the Duke of Ferrara. She is astonished at the power she wields over men but when she is visited by an inexperienced young man, it becomes clear that despite her many patrons, she has never known love. Suddenly her glittering and sumptuous life becomes a facade.

And then another devastating encounter brings with it danger for her two daughters that she has dreaded ever since she began to work the streets She courts disaster when, as a favour for a male friend, she charades as a humble woman on a blind date and dresses according to the humility she portrays for the evening. Her date falls deeply in love with her and she has to hide her career from him.

This is indeed a book of passion, of untying laces, of frothy thoughts and giddy moments but it is fun and a very good read. Aren’t we all human?

Dee Andrew
4.5/5