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The Rossetti Letterby Christi Phillips |
Arlene Almas: I'd like to thank Erna for her
recommendation - I enjoyed this double story of Alessandra, a 17th century
Venetian courtesan, and present-day Claire, who is writing her dissertation
on Alessandra and her connection to a possible conspiracy by agents working
for Spain (a great world power at that time) to conquer Venice. Venice too
was powerful, and very proud of her independence, and Alessandra is determined
to keep her that way. Claire is very much a modern-day woman, completely
fixated and passionate about her academic project, and although she finds
it somewhat hard to make new friends, she does find herself developing
relationships with a teenage girl she is chaperoning as well as interesting
people she meets in Venice. This novel is a good deal: two stories in one!
Rating: ****
Erna Schneiderman: This is an historical
novel of seventeenth century Venice, full of intrigue, history
and written from a woman's viewpoint. Even if you haven't seen the movie,
"The Honest Courtesan" (definitely recommended) or know about the courtesan's place
in Venetian society, you can expect an enjoyable journey through Venice
and Venetian Society.
The book flips back and forth between the courtesan's life and the PhD candidate
researching her for a dissertation.
I enjoyed both characters very much and found the transitions interesting and well-done.
I found this book on the bargain table at B&N and chose it because I have
an interest in the subject and have enjoyed historical mysteries/thrillers before.
This book did not dissappoint!
Rating: ****
