The idea of building an imaginary history of Europe, with a sequel to the crucifixion of Jesus, is very pleasant. Earth, soaked with the blood of Messiah and tears of Magdelene, generates the Blessed Elua, which binds in Angel Land after various adventures. He is assisted by his sister Naamah, who prostitute for him. Prostitution is practiced as an art, in the Court of nocturnal blooms, which Phaedra is high. But surprisingly enough, women who practice it are despised (treated as "whores" of "streaks" ...). There is a contradiction, but it enriches the character of Phaedra.
The central idea of the book makes me a little uncomfortable. Phaedra feels pleasure in suffering. Clearly, it allows customers to slip sex to torture (practiced in "houses of pleasure"!). Although these scenes are not very numerous, the reader should be warned. Sometimes it drips of blood! Password again for Phaedra, but torture is also practiced on people who do not have its particularity. I think it would have been possible to write such a story without that touch of violence, taking as a courtesan heroine "ordinary" but J. Carey wanted to make it highly original.
I add congratulations to the illustrator, Anne-Claire Payet, who made a highly successful portrait of Phaedra.
