Author Sarah Dunant’s sophomore novel finds her once again lavishly delving into lush Italian historical fiction, this time centering her story on Fiammetta Biachini, Rome’s most celebrated courtesan, and her clever, loyal dwarf servant Bucino Teodoldo as they barely escape the 1527 sacking of Rome by German and Spanish soldiers to Venice. Now destitute, Fiametta and Bucino begin to rebuild their lives and reclaim their former glory with the help of La Drega, a mysterious blind woman with strange powers who may or may not mean Fiammetta ill will. The Italian Renaissance, from its art and religion to its politics and daily life, is detailed and portrayed beautifully by Durant’s clearly expert hand.