Just lovely – a book set in Venice. The city captured at the height of its glory

• Book: The Birth of Venus
• Location: Florence
• Author: Sarah Dunant

Review Author: Isabella Orff

One of the first books I read, set in Venice, and I was charmed (if that is the right word) by the story and by the dark, decaying feel that was brought to life in the book. Fiammetta and her companion dwarf Bucino escape the sack of Rome in 1527 and head to Venice, where she ensconces herself to ply her trade. Real historical figures pepper the plot, like Titan and Aretino, as we are guided from Rome to Venice through the voice of Bucino. Terrific writing and terrific observations of life and setting. We loved this novel and also The Birth of Venus, set in Florence, just as great a book.

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