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

Description

Enter the world of Renaissance Venice, where the competition for fame and fortune can mean life or death, in this immersive novel of art and the Inquisition. Artists flock to Renaissance Venice for wealth, fame and revolutionary colour. Yet for Giorgione 'Zorzo' Barbarelli, competition is fierce and debts are mounting. Then Zorzo hears of a brand new pigment, owned by merchant Jakob Fugger, which could change his fate. To get closer to Fugger, Zorzo befriends his wife, Sybille. Soon, he's lost - enchanted by her - but acting on his feelings would put him in huge danger. As water levels rise and the plague creeps closer, Zorzo isn't sure whom he can trust. Will Sybille be the key to Zorzo's success, or the reason for his downfall?

Damian Dibben's novels have been translated into twenty-seven languages and published in over forty countries. His series The History Keepers was an international publishing phenomenon. Dibben originally trained as an artist and scenic designer before becomnig an actor and screenwriter. He lives on London's South Bank with his partner Ali and their dogs Dudley, Daphne and Velvet. The Colour Storm is his second novel to explore seismic events of the past, whose influence and power can be felt to this day. His first, Tomorrow, was published to critical acclaim in 2018.

A glorious, exuberant summer read. Dibben's triumph is the character of Zorzo, a buoyant, loveable guide to the grandeur and the dangers of Renaissance Venice * The Times * Ravishing, addictive, knife-sharp, ambitious, and singing with detail. A compelling thriller that takes us to the heart of sixteenth century Venice where the world's most famous painters compete to win the greatest commission of their lives. There is so much to think about and relish. Not simply the story itself - with all its glorious twists and turns - but the search to express ourselves. A celebration of art and a hymn to colour. -- Rachel Joyce An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour * Sunday Times * The Colour Storm takes readers on a thrilling, murderous journey through the serpentine waters of High Renaissance Venice as one of art history's most gifted but often overlooked painters - Giorgione - searches for love, fame, and, most importantly, colour. Written with language as vibrant as a Giorgione masterpiece, The Colour Storm is for lovers of art, Italy, and page-turning plot -- Stephanie Storey A story filled with intrigue and secrets as well as colour, Damian Dibben's new novel is filled with vivid descriptions . . . very rich in atmosphere and tone that keeps you wanting to read more * Love London Love Culture * A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully -- A. D. Swanston Art and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice * STYLIST * Hugely evocative, it's a love story, it's a thriller, it's a fantastic page turner -- Sophie Haydock, author of THE FLAMES A rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice -- Chloe Ashby, author of WET PAINT An intoxicating story about an incredible period in history * SUN * The pace of this elegant thriller quickens as truths are bared between controlling Jakob Fugger and abused Sybille with her tortuous past, while lovestruck Zorzo is pulled into a powerful situation that draws richly upon all elements of the 16th century * Perspective * An intoxicating and illuminating tale, bathed in colour, passion and ambition . . . A must for lovers of Renaissance art and the wonders of sixteenth century Venice -- S. W. Perry The pace of a thriller and the riches of a Renaissance painting -- Rachel Joyce * Observer * A vivid imagining of the artistic world of Renaissance Venice. There is an incredible charm in its depiction of the great painters of the period with all their flesh-and-blood idiosyncrasies and flaws. The life of the studio and the supreme importance of colour in all the essentials of its make up is rendered absolutely convincingly. The work has all the more emotional power as it focusses on a lesser known artist as he negotiates the precarious life of his city alongside competitors, those whose names have resounded through history. -- S. G. MacLean A great work of historical fiction, which weaves together conspiracy, art and love in a thriller * Ruth Millington * Praise for Damian Dibben * - * Bask in the brilliance * Mail on Sunday * Original, ambitious, moving * Stylist * What a novel! Ambitious and wonderfully achieved * Michael Morpurgo * I was captivated from the beginning. Ornate, vivid, deeply coloured, and so precise I could smell and taste the world * Rachel Joyce * An epic tale of love, of courage, of hope * Evening Standard * A stunning and captivating tale * The Sun * A grand sweep of adventure and travel, war and romance, and a rich exploration of love, life and loyalty * National Public Radio * [An] opulent tale, with elements of both love story and thriller, featuring some of Venice's most admired High Renaissance artists hunting desperately for a dazzling new pigment that will transform their work and fortunes * Metro *