CUBI - Culture | Biblioteche | In rete

Abstract: 1527. While the Papal city of Rome burns - brutally sacked by an inva ding army including Protestant heretics - two of her most interesting and wily citizens slip away, their stomachs churning on the jewels the y have swallowed as the enemy breaks down their doors. Though almost a s damaged as their bellowed city, Fiammetta Bianchini and Bucino Teodo ldi - a fabulous courtesan and her dwarf companion - are already plann ing their future. They head for the shimmering beauty of Venice, a hon ey pot of wealth and trade where they start to rebuild their business. As a partnership they are invincible: Bucino, clever with a sharp eye and a wicked tongue and Fiammetta, beautiful and shrewd, trained from birth to charm, entertain and satisfy men who have the money to suppo rt her. Venice, however, is a city which holds its own temptations. Fr om the admiring Turk in search of human novelties for his Sultan's cou rt, to the searing passion of a young lover who wants more than his al lotted nights. But the greatest challenge comes from a young blind wom an, a purveyor of health and beauty, who insinuates her way into their lives and hearts with devastating consequences for them all.