Raphael, Painter in Rome: A Novel

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve always loved Raphael’s paintings but wanted to know more about the man and the time he lived in. This book provided me with a thoroughly entertaining journey through his period in Rome - I particularly enjoyed reading about his rivalry with Michelangelo, his love affair with Margherita Luti (La Fornarina) and the character of Pope Julius II. I’d never heard of Felice della Rovere before (the Pope’s daughter) but what an interesting woman she sounds! The description of his frescoes in the Vatican has actually made me book a ticket to see them again. I saw them last year but now want to revisit - Villa Farnesina was already on my list! It is historical fiction as Stephanie Storey points out - but what wonderful storytelling! I felt bereft at the end - not only to finish the book (which I read in a few days) but also the loss of Raphael Santi da Urbino, the ‘Prince of Painters.’ Thoroughly recommended.

Loved this novel about Raphael, almost as much as the author's earlier take on Leonardo and Michelangelo. Entertaining, informative, well-written and utterly compelling. Anyone interested in art should read it - not to mention readers who love a good story!

I couldn't put this down, it was a brilliant read from start to finish. I had already read Stephanie's previous novel, which was excellent, but this novel was even better. The links that take you to the paintings that are in that part of the story you are reading inspired ! I found it made the reading experience more complete. Just absolutely superb

This book is a novel containing the most breath-taking colour photographs by Raphael, whilst simultaneously providing the reader with historical facts. It’s equally light hearted and serious and, without doubt, leaves the reader wanting to know more about 15th and 16th century Italian artists. One of the best novels I’ve read in a long time.

Using a Palette loaded with distrust love brilliance imagination hate and Papal intrigue mixed with Historical and Art facts Stephanie has created a blindingly GOOD Faction read

Even tho written as historical fiction I leared so much Wonderful in every sense

This was an Amazon suggested title which I would probably never have looked at on a booksellers shelves. It turned out to be an enthralling read about Raphael’s time in the Vatican, his supposed rivalry with Michelangelo, his relationships with Bramante who was rebuilding the Vatican, the Pope and his daughter and his famous mistress Margarita Luti who was the model for some of his well known paintings. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve ordered another of Stephanie Storey’s titles and I will keep this book because it may well to be the first book that I will make time to read again.