The Sixteen Pleasures A Novel
The Sixteen Pleasures A Novel by Robert Hellenga is a reissue published by Soho Press on February 3, 2015. This 368-page literary work unfolds in the vibrant setting of Florence, Italy, where art, poetry, and desire intertwine in a narrative centered around Margot Harrington, an American volunteer and book conservator. As she endeavors to restore a water-damaged convent library, Margot discovers a rare volume featuring sixteen erotic drawings by Giulio Romano, paired with sonnets by Pietro Aretino, which the Vatican had once sought to destroy.
Readers will find a story that explores themes of romance and spiritual longing as Margot navigates her dual responsibilities: preserving the convent’s financial stability by discreetly selling the unique volume and assisting a middle-aged Italian in his quest to save endangered frescoes. The narrative delves into the complexities of desire and mission, highlighting Margot’s personal journey as she balances her professional commitments with her evolving relationships. This edition invites readers to immerse themselves in a richly detailed exploration of contemporary life intertwined with historical art and literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
Art, poetry, and desire collide in a sensual, “elegantly moving” (The New Yorker) literary romance set in the cobbled streets and painted halls of Florence, Italy.
Margot Harrington, an American volunteer in Florence, is an expert at book conservancy. While struggling to save a waterlogged convent library, she comes across a fabulous volume of sixteen erotic drawings by Giulio Romano, accompanying sixteen steamy sonnets by Pietro Aretino. When first published over four centuries ago, the Vatican ordered all copies destroyed. This one—now unique—volume has survived.
The abbess prevails upon Margot to save the order’s finances by selling the magnificently illustrated erotica discreetly—meaning without the bishop’s knowledge.
Margot’s other clandestine project is a middle-aged Italian who is boldly attempting radical measures to save endangered frescoes. She is 29 and available; he, older and married. He shares her sense of mission and soon her bed in this daring story of spiritual longing and earthly desire.
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