Book clubs are funny things. A well run one will push readers out of their comfort zones. I did not enjoy this book at all, but as so often happens it made me think, and because of that I may remember it more effectively than all the books that I have really enjoyed that have come my way via my bookclub.

Part of me is still a little angry that an accomplished female composer and singer would be depicted in such a way by a contemporaneous artist in the 17th Century. The link below is far more erudite than I could ever be about her and this painting.

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/barbara-strozzi/

But it is hard to look at this portrait and not think that this is a woman who has been around the block a few times and sometimes taken her pleasure in the alleyways between the blocks. Hard not to see the exposed breast or her grasp of the neck of her instrument.

Male composers of the time with equally vibrant private lives are all, without fail represented in a reverant and respectful style. Just google 17th century male composers. No wardrobe malfunctions for them.

The book further created this ranty blog because in the narrative the protagonist was in search of a woman who looked like this portrait. Not a clever, accomplished musician. He wanted a woman who could fuel his fantasy in a more fleshed out way.

Reading! It makes you think