Finito

Yesterday on the way back from camping I finished up “The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of their Virtues”.  I liked it overall and really enjoyed the end where she recounted all the courtesans she used as examples throughout the book and summarized their life and death.  I think I might have to read it again and keep track of the courtesans and do a little more research on each one so it feels more continuous.

I began “The Birth of Venus” yesterday and find it amazing.  It’s set in the 1400’s in Florence.  A young girl is an aspiring artist and yearns to learn more.  Yet her station in life calls for her to marry and run a household of her very own.  During the time of her teens there is a disruption in Florentine life.  Men and women are being murdered in vulgar ways and left in erotic positions.  Fire and brimstone sermons are being proclaimed from the pulpit and the French are invading.  That’s about as far as I’ve gotten and I’m looking forward to reading more!