The Colour Storm: The compelling and spellbinding story of art and betrayal in Renaissance Venice

I was totally absorbed into the world of Titian, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Bellini and so many more of the artists all competing for commissions at the same time in early 1500s Venice, but the hero of this compelling book is the lesser-known artist Giorgione. A rich, emotional journey through the Renaissance, while being a real page-turner as the author explores the lengths people will go to in the hunt for colour. It will make you consider colour with fresh eyes and hurry to see the extraordinary work of these artists for yourself. The relationships between the main characters is at times devastating, as they try to make a success of themselves and their studios amidst so many challenges of the time. The ending had me floored.

This is another literary masterpiece by my favourite author, Damian Dibben. In The Colour Storm he has given us readers another thrilling story, cleverly written and with very many unexpected plot twists. I think the book is well researched, with details of every day life and struggles in Renaissance Venice. The story provides a glimpse into the mysterious art world of Zorzo and his lovers and so many well known artists from all over Europe. BRAVO!!

This is a great read. Even though the novel has been very thoroughly researched, and is hugely successful at creating the rich, sensual world that it describes, it is also a full- throttle narrative that draws you in, surprises, and seduces. When I finally put it down, I felt like it had allowed me to inhabit a world very different from my own, one which was always exciting, always gripping. I loved it.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this book but it astounded me. I was drawn into a world of beautifully described colours, sights, sounds and places.I loved looking up the artists described and reliving the story again through the artworks alluded to.An engaging story which I have since gifted another copy to a friend for their summer holiday. I hope he enjoys The Colour Storm as much as I did.

Beautifully written and intriguingly plotted, this novel takes the reader into early sixteenth century Venice and its painters.