Continuing the story of hope and struggle that began in "Messenger" and "Courtesans Part I, " author Michael Polowetzky's third novel, "Courtesans Part II, " focuses mainly on Countess Celine de Montfort, the present leader of her unique clan. The reader learns about Celine's childhood and adolescence. The reader learns how Celine is shaped by her idealistic mother and more worldly-wise aunt. In addition, the reader learns about Celine's unexpected friendship with the expatriate Iranian-American scholar Ashraf Kermanshani. In winning for her new friend the academic acceptance she deserves, Celine demonstrates that the Montfort Ladies are the molders of contemporary statecraft and the shapers of modern culture.