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Courtesan  By  cover art

Courtesan

By: Diane Haeger
Narrated by: Corrie James
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Publisher's summary

Amid the disapproving gossip of the Court, a royal romance defies all obstacles.

The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King's obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King's favorite, Anne d'Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King's mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.

Neglected by his father and disliked by his brothers, Prince Henri expects little from his life. But as his friendship with Diane deepens into infatuation and then a romance that scandalizes the Court, the Prince begins to discover hope for a future with Diane. But fate and his father have other plans for Henri—including a political marriage with Catherine de Medici. Despite daunting obstacles, Henri's devotion to Diane never wanes; their passion becomes one of the most legendary romances in the history of France.

Contains mature themes.

©1993 Diane Haeger (P)2022 Tantor

What listeners say about Courtesan

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Great read

Really enjoyed the story and going back in History. I highly recommend this audio book 😊

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable!

There are so few books centering around Diane d’ Poitiers so I was so happy to discover this book. And it didn’t disappoint.

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  • Overall
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Details

This novel was so descriptive I felt like I was there. I could see the gowns and the countryside!! I could smell the perfume and hear the cheering crowds!!

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  • Overall
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Fabulous!

Absolutely loved this one! What a rich, vivid story about an extraordinary once in a lifetime love affair. The writing was excellent and the narration was brilliant. I highly recommend this book.

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    2 out of 5 stars

Heart Breaking

Every book that Ive read and movie that I’ve seen depicting Diane had only served to make me dislike her deeply. Not being a fan of adultery, I e always felt sorry for the queens who are placed in an arranged marriage and find no hope for their husband’s affection due to the royal mistresses. This is the first book that caused me to consider the other side of the story. I appreciate the angle. It was enjoyable, insightful, and heart breaking.

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  • Overall
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Lovely

I enjoyed the historical nuances in this story somewhat unbelievable though but maybe could have been for some people. I am glad I chose, a long listen.

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One of the Best!

I was enthralled from beginning to end. Both the story and the writing style were amazing. This is one of the best historical fiction works I’ve ever read, so i was astounded to discover that it had been her first novel! I plan to read more. The narrator was also excellent except for not taking breaks between sections so that it was hard to know when the scene changed. But she was great with the voices.

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Good story but drags a bit

Excellent narrator and the story itself is interesting, but I felt it dragged a bit in the middle with too many scenes between the two main characters that felt almost identical. I also question some of the historical accuracy. Overall an enjoyable listen.

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If you like historical fiction, this is for you.

Loved it. The details made it come to life. Loved the descriptions of colors and fabrics and all the pageantry.

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    4 out of 5 stars

A great love story

I enjoyed listening to every minute of the story. I hope you will also enjoy this story.

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