The Painter's Apprentice: A Novel of 16th-Century Venice (Venetian Artisans)

The story is simple and straightforward, and it clearly illustrates the dark side of being a woman during those times. It is a love story, and also a story of friendship, loss, hope and survival. The writing moves along at an even pace, and the suspense builds over time. Well written, interesting characters; some are endearing, all are complex, none are stereotypes. Venetian artisans, nuns, and gondoliers; Saracens and Roman Catholics, adults young and old, and children interact during a ghastly time of plague. If you’re interested in art as I am, you’ll enjoy details about the process of gold gilding and creating altarpieces. Cheers to Laura Morelli for creating a heroine who is brave, likable, and credible at the same time. She is no fairy tale princess. Don’t read ahead, you won’t guess how it ends. The Greek myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, referenced throughout the book, subtly ‘resurfaces’ at the end, with a delightful twist. A very fine historical novel.

Laura Morelli just became one of my favorite fiction authors with The Painter’s Apprentice. I love a tale with an intelligent, vulnerable yet strong, determined female Hera (female hero) and Ms. Morelli delivered. Very colorful portrayal of old Venice, as well as a well-researched story line based on the ancient art of gilding. Mix with class and racial tensions, Catholic Church dogma and unreliable characters and you have a compelling read.

Having already read and enjoyed Ms. Morelli’s The Gondola Maker, I was eager to read The Painter’s Apprentice. I was not disappointed. Once again, Ms. Morelli crafted her prose with profound artistry; and I was transported back to Renaissance Venice, with all its majesty, pageantry, and oh yes, the Plague. As an artist, I particularly enjoyed the fascinating, detailed portrayal of the gilding technique, the pigment mixing mediums, and the wood panel preparations. Clearly, Ms. Morelli did her homework, but never did these details feel textbook or tutorial, but rather they are worked into the narrative seamlessly. I cheered for Maria Bartolini, the protagonist, whose work ethic and love for her father and her paramour remained steadfast despite the many hurdles and heartaches in her path.

I love Italy, love art history, and as an artist had no trouble following the technical descriptions. I just feel as though it could have benefitted from some editing: by the time I was finished I was less in love with the book and eager to be done. Too many times I read the same sentience about carpenters who would batten the panels together, too many times reading the description of Crisitiano hammering the gold to weightless sheets. The action in the final quarter of the book was fascinating and it would have been nice to have had less repetition and better pacing in the first three quarters of the book. Art and plague... what's not to like? I was glad that Maria had a happy ending!

I have just finished my second reading of the Painter's Apprentice - first on Kindle then in hardcover. Morelli's detailed descriptions of Renaissance Venice, wholly in the flow of the daily lives of her characters, leaves the reader feeling as though you have had the privilege of visiting the workshops and galas alike in 1510. It has been particularly valuable to re-read the author's account of the Black Death and, frankly, comforting to know that the current pandemic is merely a continuation of the many tragic events that inspire the feelings and fears that are always a part of the human condition. The crowning feat of this book is the deep caring for Maria inspired by Morelli's artful framing of the dilemmas faced by an unwed mother in this time period. To lovers of historical fiction, I highly recommend this book and the Gondola Maker. In both, you will find ample evidence of Morelli's skills in technique-driven descriptions of historical works of art but also the impressive works of a skilled storyteller.

I love these kinds of books; historical novels. You get a good feel of how people lived so long ago - it is very descriptive and very interesting to read. Highly recommend this book.

I am a shoot-em up kinda reader: Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, Scott Horvath, et al. BUT, I loved this one! Having been to Venice twice (so far!), I was quite at home, and it made me wish I were there now. Morelli's writing is great; her attention to detail superb. I read The Gondola Maker first, liked it a lot, but this one is even better, much better! The plot rolls right along and has many twists and turns, but the description of the locale and the environment at the time is just outstanding. I don't want to praise too much, and have readers disappointed if they don't think it is as wonderful as I do, but I loved every word!

I’m smitten with Italy, and can’t wait to read more of her books. 16th century Venice certainly came to life for me in this beautifully written book. Her characters are rich, became my friends, I hated to say goodbye at the end. Thank you Laura Morelli, this is my first and I can’t wait for more.

Absolutely loved this book. It completely pulled me in and I forgot about the world around me. I loved all the details about the gold and the painting. Just beautiful!

She brings the characters ro life and makes the reader form a strong bond to them

Rarely do you come across a book that consumes you quite as much as The Painter’s Apprentice. Having recently returned from my first ever trip to Italy (and more importantly - Venice) I was recommended to read this book from a travelling to Italy Facebook page....... I am SOOOO grateful. The storyline doesn't move so quickly that you can’t keep up, the attention to detail is tangible, the depth of the characters makes you genuinely care about their future . At one point (and I won’t spoil the story by saying when!) I audibly said “No!!!” as I was willing the story to take a different path!!! This is one of those rare books that you genuinely never want to end! I am so glad I bought the Gondola Maker to read straight after! I cannot wait for more from this wonderful author !!!

Interesting story. Obviously very well researched, written by an author who is passionate about the subject. A talented and creative writer. The reader really experiences what it must have been like living in the early sixteen century Venice during the Black Death. Also it is fascinating to learn about the work of the painter, especially if you are interested in painting like me. Very descriptive. Would recommend. Dorcas

An engaging and accomplished historical novel that shortened the journey on both legs of a transatlantic trip. I am interested in the history of Venice and of art and on both counts Laura Morelli's novel is very satisfying. The human story is really well told and the book became a page-turner as the second half progressed - always a good sign for me!