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And, so this was bittersweet, but I definitely felt swept up in the world of the story and the author’s writing. I can recommend it to historical fiction lovers, lovers of art and the renaissance and those who like historical intrigue. Atmospheric and suspenseful, and filled with the famous artists of the era, The Colour Storm is an intoxicating story of art and ambition, love and obsession in Renaissance Venice - capturing a moment of artistic invention that echoes through the centuries.
This book is set during the troubling times of the plague, so not only are we given an insight into renaissance Italy but also at the effect this disastrous illness caused and the path of chaos it left in its wake. In Renaissance Venice, artist Giorgione 'Zorzo' Barbarelli's career hangs in the balance. Competition is fierce, and his debts are piling up. So when Zorzo hears a rumour of a mysterious new pigment brought to Venice by the richest man in Europe, he sets out to acquire the colour and secure his name in history. Another thing that I want to mention is how surprised I was by some of the plot twists of the story. Some of them had me reeling, they were so unexpected. But I do love being surprised by stories! Also need to shout out the character of Leda. Another surprise because I hadn’t expected to end up loving her as much when I first met her in the book but she was incredible. A self-made woman in 16th century Italy with her own growing business, how could I not admire and love that. What should I do – this section links to advice and guidance from our partners on how to stay safe in severe weather Enter the world of Renaissance Venice, where the competition for fame and fortune can mean life or death …
Set in the sixteenth century when many amazing artists were achieving renown this historical based on real life figures delves into the world of Renaissance art. The descriptions of the often stark world of the artist and those who apprenticed in the artist’s studio, the intrigue both political and personal surrounding the wealthy patrons and the artists in their sphere, and of course the personal relationships and characters who peopled The Color Storm particularly Zorzo. It is 1510, the height of the Venetian Renaissance. Giorgione Barbarelli—known as Zorzo—is a young painter, fired by ambition but on the verge of bankruptcy. When a fabulously wealthy German merchant arrives in Venice amid rumours of a previously unknown pigment and a lucrative new commission, Zorzo senses the opportunity for both fame and fortune. However, as he gets to know Sybille, the merchant’s wife, he finds himself drawn into danger, intrigue, and passion. An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour Sunday Times A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully". A. D. SWANSTON This summary is what pulled me into the book. I have no read many fiction books set during the Renaissance and certainly none set in the art world. I thought that these things would make this book a great fit for me. However, it wasn’t. I had a really difficult time forming any kind of connection with both the plot and the characters. I felt a times that the plot wasn’t fleshed out as well as it should have been. There were times that it felt bulky and other times were the flow was great. This unevenness pulled me out of the story. It also made for a difficult read at times. I thought that there were many times were the plot did not feel like it was moving as it should. I would have liked to have a little bit more depth as well.
Mr. Dibben’s writing is beautiful. The history is interesting and certainly inspired me to dig deep into the artists mentioned as well as Venice. Even though I wasn’t completely overwhelmed by the story arc, I found it engaging and was surprised by the twists in the zenith and denouement of the story. A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully A. D. Swanston With the in depth description, the atmosphere of the time period as well as the art world is brought out. It could be a dangerous time and Zorzo doesn’t even realize the danger he’s in when his need for success to take care of himself and the people he employs sets him on a course to procure the mysterious new color a wealthy merchant holds. Zorzo is absorbed in his work painting Sybille the foreign wife of a wealthy man who holds the secret to a new color pigment that can raise Zorzo above all the other grand artists while conspiracy swirls around him and the plague approaches Venice. There are quite a few words in a synopsis where when I see them I just can't resist reading the book and one of those words is Renaissance, especially when it's set in Italy. So when I found out about The Color Storm by Damian Dibben there was no question. I just had to read it and I'm so glad that I did because I loved it so much and could hardly put the book down. A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully'
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Art and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice'
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