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Book Review of Courtesan

Courtesan
Courtesan
Author: Diane Haeger
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4


This historical novel had a really promising subject in Daine de Poitiers, the elegant, highly sophisticated mistress of King Henri III of France. A tastemaker of her time, and a noted beauty and charmer, this lady caused one of the most beautiful chateaux in France to be built, Anet. The book appears well-researched, and it's very detailed in its recreation of the French court and the clothing and objects and rooms of its time. It's got some sexy moments. (Henri's wife drilled a peephole in the floor of her apartment so she could spy on him making love with Diane. Creepy!) However, I found it a bit of a heavy slog, perhaps because of all the beautiful period details. The All About Romance Web site rated this a Desert Island Keeper, their highest rating.