Picture a British storyteller who whisks you from the gritty streets of modern London to the opulent courts of Renaissance Italy—meet Sarah Dunant! Born in 1950, this novelist, broadcaster, and critic has captivated readers with her thrilling mysteries and richly detailed historical novels. With a knack for blending feminist themes and compelling storytelling, Dunant’s work invites you to explore women’s lives through the ages, making history feel as vibrant as today.
From her early days as a BBC presenter to her international bestselling novels, Dunant’s journey is as dynamic as her characters. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction or historical epics, her stories promise to hook you with their wit, depth, and unapologetic focus on women’s voices.
The Making of Sarah Dunant
Born on August 8, 1950, in London, Sarah Dunant grew up in a vibrant household, the daughter of a Welsh airline steward turned British Airways manager and his French wife, who was raised in Bangalore, India. Educated at Godolphin and Latymer School, she later studied history at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she dabbled in theater with the Footlights club. Her adventurous spirit led her to Tokyo, where she worked as an English teacher and nightclub hostess, before traveling through Southeast Asia and the Americas—experiences that fueled her early writing.
Dunant’s career kicked off at BBC Radio 4, producing the arts program Kaleidoscope, and later presenting shows like The Late Show on BBC2. In her late twenties, she began writing political thrillers with a friend, including the 1988 BBC drama series Thin Air, before striking out solo with her debut novel, Snow Storms in a Hot Climate (1988), a thriller inspired by her travels.
Sarah Dunant’s Unforgettable Stories
Dunant’s bibliography is a thrilling blend of contemporary mysteries and historical fiction, unified by her sharp prose and focus on women’s experiences. Her Hannah Wolfe series, featuring a witty British private investigator, includes Birth Marks (1991), Fatlands (1993)—which won the Silver Dagger Award—and Under My Skin (1995). These novels tackle issues like surrogacy, animal rights, and violence against women, all wrapped in fast-paced, feminist-driven plots.
In 2000, a transformative trip to Florence sparked a new chapter for Dunant. Inspired by the Renaissance, she penned a bestselling trilogy: The Birth of Venus (2003), a vivid tale of a young artist navigating love and societal constraints in 15th-century Florence; In the Company of the Courtesan (2006), set in Venice with a cunning courtesan and her dwarf companion; and Sacred Hearts (2009), a poignant story of nuns in a 16th-century Ferrara convent. These novels, lauded for their historical accuracy and sensual storytelling, cemented Dunant’s reputation as a master of the genre.
More recently, Dunant turned her lens on the infamous Borgia family with Blood and Beauty (2013) and In the Name of the Family (2017), offering a nuanced take on their political machinations and challenging myths about Lucrezia Borgia. Her upcoming work, The Marchesa (announced in 2025), explores Renaissance art patron Isabella d’Este, promising another dive into women’s historical roles.
Why Sarah Dunant Matters
Sarah Dunant’s impact lies in her ability to make history accessible and relevant, particularly through her focus on women’s stories often overlooked by traditional narratives. Her Renaissance novels, grounded in meticulous research, have been translated into 30 languages, resonating with readers worldwide. As a feminist and advocate for historical accuracy, she’s challenged stereotypes, notably in her reexamination of figures like Lucrezia Borgia, and inspired a new appreciation for women’s roles in the past.
Her work as a broadcaster and cultural commentator, including her BBC history podcast When Greeks Flew Kites, continues to spark curiosity about the past. Dunant’s legacy is one of storytelling that entertains, educates, and empowers, making her a vital voice in literature and cultural discourse.
- Birth Date: August 8, 1950
- Key Works: The Birth of Venus, In the Company of the Courtesan, Sacred Hearts, Blood and Beauty
- Awards: Silver Dagger Award (1993), Shortlisted for Walter Scott Prize (2010)
Snag The Birth of Venus and dive into Sarah Dunant’s lush, empowering world of Renaissance intrigue!