The Painter's Apprentice: A 16th-Century Venetian Tale of Art, Love, and Discovery

EH: The story is far better than the Gondola Maker. I would not recommend it.

United States on Nov 17, 2023

Flora: I love reading history fiction. I had just finished reading “Oil and Marble” which was an excellent read with continuous action, great description on how Michelangelo chiseled his sculptures and how DaVinci used his brushstrokes to paint his famous Mona Lisa and Last Supper and the great rivalry between these two artists. Trying to follow it by reading The Painter’s Apprentice left me wanting more of Oil and Marble. Although the author shares great description of the time of the plague in Venice and it’s affects on it’s peoples and artists, the story was overly concerned with too much repetitive details. For me, the story did not move fast enough.

United States on Feb 23, 2023

Natascha: 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!

Brazil on Feb 09, 2023

Nancy and John Humphreys: 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.

United States on May 14, 2022

Karen Neary: THE PAINTER'S APPRENTICE is a beautifully written historical novel set in 1510 Venice. As a painter, I enjoyed learning about the art of gilding which was paramount to the story of Maria, who desires nothing more than to carry on her beloved trade. The pages are filled with intrigue, forbidden love, and the bubonic plague. As the plot thickens and the stakes intensify, this book will keep you turning the pages in anticipation of Maria's fate. Laura Morelli has crafted an exceptional story, one that should not be missed.

United States on Dec 27, 2021

Amazon Customer: 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.

United States on Dec 30, 2020

Swansal: 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 !!!

United Kingdom on Aug 06, 2019

Dorcas Scally: 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

United Kingdom on Jun 22, 2019

Padraig O'Morain: 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!

United Kingdom on Jan 04, 2019

CDW: I purchased this book after reading the other book in this series. I could not put it down. Beautifully written and very descriptive. I almost felt as I had been transported in time to the same era. I can't wait to see if there is another book in this series.

United Kingdom on Jan 17, 2018