Flavia was born with a birthmark covering her face. Ashamed of the mark, her mother has concealed Flavia's face behind a veil all her young life. But then one day, outside the city walls of Perugia, Flavia meets Ghostanza, a courtesan turned widow, whose white-lead painted face entrance her. She becomes her ornatrix, her hairdresser and personal maid and is soon drawn into a world of desire, deceit, obsession and jealousy. Set in 16th century Italy - for fans of Jessie Burton and Patrick Süskind.