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The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo's David
As a colossal statue takes shape in Renaissance Florence, the lives of a master sculptor and a struggling painter become stunningly intertwined.
Florence, 1500. Fresco painter Jacopo Torni longs to make his mark in the world. But while his peers enjoy prestigious commissions, his meager painting jobs are all earmarked to pay down gambling debts.
When Jacopo hears of a competition to create Florence's greatest sculpture, he pins all his hopes on a collaboration with his boyhood companion, Michelangelo Buonarroti. But will the frustrated artist ever emerge from the shadow of his singularly gifted friend?
Florence, 1500. Fresco painter Jacopo Torni longs to make his mark in the world. But while his peers enjoy prestigious commissions, his meager painting jobs are all earmarked to pay down gambling debts.
When Jacopo hears of a competition to create Florence's greatest sculpture, he pins all his hopes on a collaboration with his boyhood companion, Michelangelo Buonarroti. But will the frustrated artist ever emerge from the shadow of his singularly gifted friend?
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
181 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Laura Morelli
29 books948 followersThe first time I visited Venice as a wide-eyed teenager, I knew I was supposed to buy Murano glass, but I had no idea why.
All I knew was that I was whisked to the famous “glass island” on an overcrowded, stinky boat. I waited behind two dozen American and Japanese tourists to pay an exorbitant price for a little glass fish—what a bewildering experience!
Still, it was the artistic traditions of the world that inspired me to study the past. Living in Europe and Latin America, I realized that in many places, centuries-old craft traditions are still living traditions.
So began my quest to discover craftspeople passing on a special kind of knowledge to the next generation.
__________________________________________________
Laura Morelli holds a a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Her books include Made in Italy, Made in France, and Made in the Southwest, which lead travelers to some of the world’s most authentic experiences. She has written for many national publications including USA Today and the New York Daily News, and has authored a column for National Geographic Traveler online called “The Genuine Article.” She has taught at Trinity College in Rome, Tufts University, Northeastern University, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and has spoken to public audiences across the U.S. and Europe.
All I knew was that I was whisked to the famous “glass island” on an overcrowded, stinky boat. I waited behind two dozen American and Japanese tourists to pay an exorbitant price for a little glass fish—what a bewildering experience!
Still, it was the artistic traditions of the world that inspired me to study the past. Living in Europe and Latin America, I realized that in many places, centuries-old craft traditions are still living traditions.
So began my quest to discover craftspeople passing on a special kind of knowledge to the next generation.
__________________________________________________
Laura Morelli holds a a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Her books include Made in Italy, Made in France, and Made in the Southwest, which lead travelers to some of the world’s most authentic experiences. She has written for many national publications including USA Today and the New York Daily News, and has authored a column for National Geographic Traveler online called “The Genuine Article.” She has taught at Trinity College in Rome, Tufts University, Northeastern University, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and has spoken to public audiences across the U.S. and Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 1, 2020
Two and a half stars. While this purports to be a novel of Michelangelo's David, it's really a novel about Jacopo Torni, Michelangelo's friend. Torni is extremely jealous of Michelangelo's success. He spends the book gambling and constantly letting his spinster sister down. Sometimes Torni loves Michelangelo, sometimes he hates him. But Torni always wants to BE Michelangelo. I just didn't think there was much else to the plot beyond that. Then the book, which I thought had 40 more pages (but that was just a preview of Morelli's next book), ended very abruptly.
Laura Morelli obviously knows her stuff. She has a PhD in art history and specializes in Italian Renaissance art. But I just didn't feel like the plot moved at all and there was no arc to the story. While there are a lot of famous artists mentioned in the book, and some even make very brief appearances, they are not the focus of the book.
Laura Morelli obviously knows her stuff. She has a PhD in art history and specializes in Italian Renaissance art. But I just didn't feel like the plot moved at all and there was no arc to the story. While there are a lot of famous artists mentioned in the book, and some even make very brief appearances, they are not the focus of the book.
July 2, 2020
Once again, Laura Morelli treats the reader to her rare talent for weaving history, fact, and fiction into a well-written, unique, and memorable tale. Each word is a masterful brushstroke in this rich, expressive dialogue that engages all the senses. The protagonist: acclaimed painter, sculptor, and architect, Jacopo Torni, with all his flaws and virtues, steals the show.
July 19, 2020
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Laura Morelli’s The Giant reads like a love letter to all fans of Renaissance art and the myriad of artists who produced it.
I am not well-versed in the subject matter and had not heard of Jacopo Torni before picking up Morelli’s work. That said, I quickly fell in love with Morelli's flawed characterization of the fresco painter and his quest to succeed despite his personal shortcomings. In a genre littered with heroines who fear to let their families down, I felt Jacopo a breath of fresh air and thoroughly enjoyed Morelli’s depiction of the societal pressures he faced as a man at the dawn of the sixteenth century.
I also enjoyed the relationship Jacopo shares with Michelangelo and how their bond is complicated by their longstanding history and Jacopo’s professional jealousy. The sculpting of David frames the novel and while the narrative offers brilliant insight to the creation of the iconic statue, the story boils down to the bond between these two artists and the human emotion they take and subsequently channel into their work.
I freely admit I found the novel a little slow, but I loved the atmospheric quality of the world Morelli created and the artistic insight her story afforded. The Giant struck me as niche interest fiction, but I feel those with an appreciation for the subject matter will find it a beautifully rendered story of friendship, pride, artistry, and brotherhood.
Laura Morelli’s The Giant reads like a love letter to all fans of Renaissance art and the myriad of artists who produced it.
I am not well-versed in the subject matter and had not heard of Jacopo Torni before picking up Morelli’s work. That said, I quickly fell in love with Morelli's flawed characterization of the fresco painter and his quest to succeed despite his personal shortcomings. In a genre littered with heroines who fear to let their families down, I felt Jacopo a breath of fresh air and thoroughly enjoyed Morelli’s depiction of the societal pressures he faced as a man at the dawn of the sixteenth century.
I also enjoyed the relationship Jacopo shares with Michelangelo and how their bond is complicated by their longstanding history and Jacopo’s professional jealousy. The sculpting of David frames the novel and while the narrative offers brilliant insight to the creation of the iconic statue, the story boils down to the bond between these two artists and the human emotion they take and subsequently channel into their work.
I freely admit I found the novel a little slow, but I loved the atmospheric quality of the world Morelli created and the artistic insight her story afforded. The Giant struck me as niche interest fiction, but I feel those with an appreciation for the subject matter will find it a beautifully rendered story of friendship, pride, artistry, and brotherhood.
August 5, 2020
This was historical fiction but VERY interesting. It is the story of the creation of “The David” sculpture in Florence. Michelangelo is summoned back to Florence from Rome, by his friend, Jacopo Torini, a.k.a. L’Indaco, to compete for the commission to carve The David from a huge block of granite, which has been lying abandoned for a couple of decades in a church yard. Jacopo, is a painter, who is tormented by lack of confidence and feels always he is in Michelangelo’s shadow of fame. I peeked at Wikipedia to see who Jacopo really was, and he, in fact, was an intimate friend of Michelangelo and worked with him on several famous projects. One project, I won’t mention here as it would spoil the ending for you. If you’ve ever been to Florence and have seen “The David”, this is a “must read”. And if you haven’t, the book will cause you to want to go! Fun references to DaVinci, Bottocelli, and near the end a reference to Raffaello (Raffael) Sanzio are all contemporaries of this renaissance period. I really liked this book.
October 31, 2020
Big disappointment. Although I was forewarned, I still expected more about Michelangelo, the factor that drew me to this book, than I got. It was all about a virtually unknow artist that I have no interest in reading about. I did however enjoy being transported to Florence, in the 1500's, a time in history that I always love being immersed in,
November 28, 2021
I was not engaged by the narrator. I read nearly 200 pages before I settled into the story. The 2nd half of the novel was better by far.
I generally enjoy Laura Morelli’s novel, especially THE GONDOLA MAKER. This one, not as much
June 12, 2020
This was a gorgeous and moving book. My blurb for it is below!
"Richly drawn and meticulously researched, THE GIANT tells the story of one of the most famous works of art in Western history through the lens of an intimate observer. Narrator Jacopo Torni guides us through the streets, taverns, art studios, and halls of power of Renaissance Florence with wit and heart, so that I've almost come to think of him as a friend of mine. A must read for those at all interested in the Renaissance or art history!"
"Richly drawn and meticulously researched, THE GIANT tells the story of one of the most famous works of art in Western history through the lens of an intimate observer. Narrator Jacopo Torni guides us through the streets, taverns, art studios, and halls of power of Renaissance Florence with wit and heart, so that I've almost come to think of him as a friend of mine. A must read for those at all interested in the Renaissance or art history!"
May 28, 2020
Absolutely fantastic. The strong characters and the interaction and the plot were tremendous I felt as if I was part of the story. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
July 8, 2020
Sophomoric at Best
I love a good historical novel with well developed characters. I also love Florence, Michelangelo and the hope and promise of the David. During a month in Florence, I went to sleep each night listening to Irving Stone's classic the Agony and Ecstasy until I knew the characters and locations intimately.
Morelli's 'main character lacks credibility in a historical sense unless of course it is a high schoolers first read. This is a book that fails to do justice to the period and was perhaps was best left unfinished. An unfortunate endeavor, frivolous and sophomoric.
I love a good historical novel with well developed characters. I also love Florence, Michelangelo and the hope and promise of the David. During a month in Florence, I went to sleep each night listening to Irving Stone's classic the Agony and Ecstasy until I knew the characters and locations intimately.
Morelli's 'main character lacks credibility in a historical sense unless of course it is a high schoolers first read. This is a book that fails to do justice to the period and was perhaps was best left unfinished. An unfortunate endeavor, frivolous and sophomoric.
June 6, 2020
As always, Morelli has produced an intriguing story set in post-Medici (1500's) Florence. I was a little surprised that although the statue of David done by Michelangelo gave the title to the story, Michelangelo was not the protagonist. But that probably made the story more interesting. The author's note reveals that Jacobo (a long time friend of Michelangelo) ended up living in Spain and becoming an architect, so I'm sort of hoping she might eventually explore his life here a little more.
July 18, 2020
I haved Laura Morelli's other books and was excited to read this one. Unfortunately it fell short of my expectations. The protagonist is a sad, desperate man who both admires and envies Michaelangelo. The story is more about him. I was anticipating a deeper connection to Michaelangelo and whatever emotion and perseverance when into carving arguably the most famous sculpture of all time.
Very disappointed.
Very disappointed.
April 28, 2020
I have had the pleasure of reading this extremely well written novel. As usual Laura never disappoints, the novel was easily read, whilst holding the attention of the reader, with fantastic story content. Amazing, once again, thank you Laura, I cannot wait to read your next novel. Many thanks Karren
June 26, 2020
Interesting take from a different point of view on Michelangelo's sculpting the David from a flawed piece of marble. Seems tremendously well-researched, with a lot of insight into life in Renaissance Florence. At times the story flows evenly and quickly, but at others it seems a little forced. In general, an interesting read from an author who knows much of her subject.
January 17, 2023
Every book I’ve read by Laura Morelli is like stepping into Renaissance Italy and living with the artist as he created the masterpiece as well as meetings his family, friends and other famous artists of the times. Morelli is an impeccable researcher (she should be; she holds a PhD in Art History) but she is also a talented story teller – a rare combination.
While The Stolen Lady and Night Portrait are written in dual time periods, The Giant is written in the time period when Michelangelo created the most famous sculpture in the world.
Rather than featuring Michelangelo, the book focuses on the story of his childhood friend Jacopo Torni, who also hopes of making his mark in the world of art by pairing up with his friend but ends up learning that Michelangelo wants the glory all to himself. Jacopo’s is a frustrating existence, he takes any painting job he can, and lives with his sister.
So detailed is the novel that Morelli made me feel as though I was walking the streets of Florence and meeting all the greats of the time: da Vinci, Botticelli, and Sansovino. It is early 1500s when Florence was an exciting hub of culture, art and architecture. It is also a frightening time when the city is at risk of being invaded and taken over, not to mention the influence of the Medicis.
Since the sculpture, David, is so widely known, it must have been a huge challenge to write a unique historical novel about Michaelangelo, who is also so well known and I understand why Morelli chose to focus on a colleague; however, I was disappointed because I had no clue who Jacopo was and, despite the author’s descriptive and talented story line, never connected with him. I craved to learn more about Michelangelo and his process of crafting David.
Nonetheless, I highly admire and recommend Laura Morelli’s historical fiction to anyone who has been to Italy and, like most of us, dream of returning or living there. Those hopes and aspirations are not always possible but we can live vicariously through her scrupulously researched and crafted novels.
In all fairness, also, I had read Stephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble last year and had learned many of the facts which Morelli shares with her in her book. Storey tells the tale of the intense competition between Michelangelo and Da Vinci as they both competed for the commission for the David, which Michelangelo ultimately won. In her novel, Storey focuses on these two great artists, shares their background and I truly felt like I knew what they were thinking and feeling during the time when the David was sculpted and unveiled to the public. I intend to read The Giant again in a few months, hoping that a bit of time will make me appreciate the excellent novel it is.
While The Stolen Lady and Night Portrait are written in dual time periods, The Giant is written in the time period when Michelangelo created the most famous sculpture in the world.
Rather than featuring Michelangelo, the book focuses on the story of his childhood friend Jacopo Torni, who also hopes of making his mark in the world of art by pairing up with his friend but ends up learning that Michelangelo wants the glory all to himself. Jacopo’s is a frustrating existence, he takes any painting job he can, and lives with his sister.
So detailed is the novel that Morelli made me feel as though I was walking the streets of Florence and meeting all the greats of the time: da Vinci, Botticelli, and Sansovino. It is early 1500s when Florence was an exciting hub of culture, art and architecture. It is also a frightening time when the city is at risk of being invaded and taken over, not to mention the influence of the Medicis.
Since the sculpture, David, is so widely known, it must have been a huge challenge to write a unique historical novel about Michaelangelo, who is also so well known and I understand why Morelli chose to focus on a colleague; however, I was disappointed because I had no clue who Jacopo was and, despite the author’s descriptive and talented story line, never connected with him. I craved to learn more about Michelangelo and his process of crafting David.
Nonetheless, I highly admire and recommend Laura Morelli’s historical fiction to anyone who has been to Italy and, like most of us, dream of returning or living there. Those hopes and aspirations are not always possible but we can live vicariously through her scrupulously researched and crafted novels.
In all fairness, also, I had read Stephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble last year and had learned many of the facts which Morelli shares with her in her book. Storey tells the tale of the intense competition between Michelangelo and Da Vinci as they both competed for the commission for the David, which Michelangelo ultimately won. In her novel, Storey focuses on these two great artists, shares their background and I truly felt like I knew what they were thinking and feeling during the time when the David was sculpted and unveiled to the public. I intend to read The Giant again in a few months, hoping that a bit of time will make me appreciate the excellent novel it is.
June 22, 2020
I have two copies of this book. One is my pre-order purchase from Amazon and the other was given to me as a review copy by Laura Morelli's assistant. I didn't have the pre-order copy yet when I received the review copy, but I didn't have the time to review until now when I already had both copies.
The Giant is the story of how Michelangelo's David came to be. Creating an image of a shepherd boy from a huge block of marble appears to be an effort to make David as physically formidable as his giant opponent, Goliath.
There is a Master Class video about this novel which is part of the supplemental materials I got from Morelli when I pre-ordered it and sent her my receipt from Amazon. In that video, Morelli discusses how this statue was meant to be a symbol of the city of Florence which wanted to be considered the equal of giants like Rome.
I also loved learning from the Master Class video that Michelangelo's David was placed where the ascetic Savonarola's Bonfire of the Vanities took place. So many works of art were destroyed there. We will never be able to experience them, but Michelangelo's David can be said to represent the victory of art over Savonarola's fanaticism.
One of the questions for book clubs dealing with The Giant asks readers about their favorite character in this book. Initially, my favorite character was Lucia, the sister of the artist protagonist Jacopo Torni. Jacopo actually existed, but Laura Morelli gave him some pretty serious problems in her novel. I was angry at Jacopo for causing Lucia so much anxiety, and preventing her from getting on with her life. She felt she had to take care of Jacopo, and I wondered if he was worth her sacrifice. Jacopo was actually feeling the same way because he suffered from Imposter Syndrome. Being a friend of Michelangelo caused him to think that he could never measure up. Lucia was certain that Jacopo's problems went much deeper. After a while, I started seeing a pattern that suggested to me that Jacopo, as portrayed by Laura Morelli, was what we would call bipolar. After reading the entire book I was no longer sure that he really was bipolar, but he was certainly an addictive personality which led him into repetitive acts of self-destructive behavior.
I love that Michelangelo's David is an icon with enough depth that it can be variously interpreted. It is also true that each book is different for every reader. I hope that readers of this review who go on to read The Giant will be repaid with their own unique insights on the ideas and characters they encounter in the pages of this book.
For the blog version of this review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
The Giant is the story of how Michelangelo's David came to be. Creating an image of a shepherd boy from a huge block of marble appears to be an effort to make David as physically formidable as his giant opponent, Goliath.
There is a Master Class video about this novel which is part of the supplemental materials I got from Morelli when I pre-ordered it and sent her my receipt from Amazon. In that video, Morelli discusses how this statue was meant to be a symbol of the city of Florence which wanted to be considered the equal of giants like Rome.
I also loved learning from the Master Class video that Michelangelo's David was placed where the ascetic Savonarola's Bonfire of the Vanities took place. So many works of art were destroyed there. We will never be able to experience them, but Michelangelo's David can be said to represent the victory of art over Savonarola's fanaticism.
One of the questions for book clubs dealing with The Giant asks readers about their favorite character in this book. Initially, my favorite character was Lucia, the sister of the artist protagonist Jacopo Torni. Jacopo actually existed, but Laura Morelli gave him some pretty serious problems in her novel. I was angry at Jacopo for causing Lucia so much anxiety, and preventing her from getting on with her life. She felt she had to take care of Jacopo, and I wondered if he was worth her sacrifice. Jacopo was actually feeling the same way because he suffered from Imposter Syndrome. Being a friend of Michelangelo caused him to think that he could never measure up. Lucia was certain that Jacopo's problems went much deeper. After a while, I started seeing a pattern that suggested to me that Jacopo, as portrayed by Laura Morelli, was what we would call bipolar. After reading the entire book I was no longer sure that he really was bipolar, but he was certainly an addictive personality which led him into repetitive acts of self-destructive behavior.
I love that Michelangelo's David is an icon with enough depth that it can be variously interpreted. It is also true that each book is different for every reader. I hope that readers of this review who go on to read The Giant will be repaid with their own unique insights on the ideas and characters they encounter in the pages of this book.
For the blog version of this review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
August 23, 2020
"The Giant" is the story of painter Jacopo Torni, who dreams of making a lasting mark on the art world with his painting. Instead, he is forced to take any job he can as long as it pays so he can pay down some longstanding debts. The jobs are not noteworthy and he finds himself jealous of the notoriety that so many of his fellow artists seem to be finding with ease. Suddenly he has the opportunity to hitch his star to his friend Michaelangelo, already famous in his own right, and Jacopo is ready to take a leap of faith!
This is a well-researched and fascinating story! I always have a soft spot for down on their luck characters and when the story opens, Jacopo just can't seem to make his way towards everything he is dreaming of. Obstacle after obstacle comes his way and while some of them are just bad luck, some of the difficult situations are of his own making. When the story opens, he seems to be aimless and lacking drive. Eventually that shifts as he begins to see a way forward, even if it means playing second fiddle instead of being the star. I loved seeing how he changed throughout the book!
The star of this book was really the world-building and the descriptions. The author takes us back to gorgeous Florence in the 1500s where everyone is racing to make the greatest art to change the art world and make their mark. It's an exciting place and with the detail that the author gives, it makes it easy to imagine that you are in the center of it all as the characters struggle against each other and with each other in order to push forward and achieve greatness.
This book was a perfect pick for when you are looking for an escape to a world filled with art and intrigue!
This is a well-researched and fascinating story! I always have a soft spot for down on their luck characters and when the story opens, Jacopo just can't seem to make his way towards everything he is dreaming of. Obstacle after obstacle comes his way and while some of them are just bad luck, some of the difficult situations are of his own making. When the story opens, he seems to be aimless and lacking drive. Eventually that shifts as he begins to see a way forward, even if it means playing second fiddle instead of being the star. I loved seeing how he changed throughout the book!
The star of this book was really the world-building and the descriptions. The author takes us back to gorgeous Florence in the 1500s where everyone is racing to make the greatest art to change the art world and make their mark. It's an exciting place and with the detail that the author gives, it makes it easy to imagine that you are in the center of it all as the characters struggle against each other and with each other in order to push forward and achieve greatness.
This book was a perfect pick for when you are looking for an escape to a world filled with art and intrigue!
August 8, 2020
Italy is one of my favourite holiday destinations. I’ve been there 3 times (2 were a day or so before a cruise so no time for a good look) and have never been able to spend anytime in Florence. But one day I will make it there, so this past week I was an armchair tourist around the years 1501-1504.
Laura Morelli is a new author to me, I’ve followed her on social media because of her love and passion for Italy. Click here to check out her website.
The Giant was released May 12th of 2020. It’s the story of how Michelangelo’s David came to be. The story is told from the point of view of Jacopo Torni, a friend of the famous sculptor. Not being overly familiar with this time period in Italy (other than the Borgia’s) I loved that what took place came from the history books.
While The Giant is how the statue came to be it’s more a story of friendship and self discovery. Torni was a painter, he was flawed and rather self centered. His relationship with Michelangelo was not what I expected, it also was flawed filled with jealousy and self doubt.
The Giant is a well written book steeped in history giving this reader a vivid picture of not just the art world but what life was like in Florence during that time-period. I got to know the characters and come to feel for them making be google and read more on their lives. Though a sequel would be really nice (hint, hint).
My thanks to the author so a print copy in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Morelli is a new author to me, I’ve followed her on social media because of her love and passion for Italy. Click here to check out her website.
The Giant was released May 12th of 2020. It’s the story of how Michelangelo’s David came to be. The story is told from the point of view of Jacopo Torni, a friend of the famous sculptor. Not being overly familiar with this time period in Italy (other than the Borgia’s) I loved that what took place came from the history books.
While The Giant is how the statue came to be it’s more a story of friendship and self discovery. Torni was a painter, he was flawed and rather self centered. His relationship with Michelangelo was not what I expected, it also was flawed filled with jealousy and self doubt.
The Giant is a well written book steeped in history giving this reader a vivid picture of not just the art world but what life was like in Florence during that time-period. I got to know the characters and come to feel for them making be google and read more on their lives. Though a sequel would be really nice (hint, hint).
My thanks to the author so a print copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
This book was a fine depiction of life in Florence and the daily struggles of a lesser known painter, L’Indaco. It was not, however, much of a story about Michelangelo and his creation of David. The glimpses of that were illuminating and I enjoyed the book for many things. But it didn’t live up to its title.
September 24, 2021
My daughter and I went to Florence in 2011 and we fell in love with it from the architecture, the history and especially the museums. Without a doubt the most memorable moment was seeing Michelangelo’s David. It took our breath away and gave us goose bumps to be in the presence of something so perfectly amazing made from a giant piece of marble. Thank you Laura Morelli for another historical, well constructed and totally enjoyable story.
May 18, 2025
I wanted so badly to rate this book higher; however, there was a recurrent issue with the repetition of identical phraseology that just really, really annoyed me. In describing Michelangelo, the author was fond of saying that he was “greasy,” unwashed, odiferous, essentially a free-loader. Though perhaps part of his legend, she could have used more varied and creative language to minimize monotony.
May 25, 2020
I was honored to review a pre-release copy of THE GIANT. Had it not been for my family reminding me to get some sleep, I might have read it in a single sitting. The story was captivating, as were the descriptions of the streets of Florence, the artists’ studios, and more. Without hesitation, I give THE GIANT my highest recommendation.
June 30, 2020
One of the greatest challenges in writing a historical novel about a figure as colossal as Michelangelo is finding the proper angle from which to view him, a perspective that will provide a dramatic narrative arc as well as insight into the man beneath the reputation. In her newly published novel, THE GIANT, art historian Laura Morelli examines Michelangelo's creation of the iconic statue of David, commissioned by the city of Florence in 1501, through the eyes of his friend and collaborator Jacopo Torni (1476-1526). The novel's deliciously ambiguous title captures the multiple avenues of exploration this inspired choice of perspective opens. "The Giant" is, of course, the statue of David, which, at 17 feet, towers three times the height of a man. The sobriquet also refers to Michelangelo himself, a sculptor whose skills and vision far exceed those of the vast majority of artists. Yet, beyond the historical person, "The Giant" refers to the looming construct of "Michelangelo" in Jacopo's mind. "The Giant" is a talented rival whose focus, achievement, and fame forever dwarf and inhibit Jacopo's own accomplishment. As Michelangelo labors to free David from the marble block, Jacopo wrestles to escape the self-doubt and insecurity that haunt him in the shadow of his gifted friend.
Narrated in Jacopo's engaging, first-person voice, THE GIANT is as much, if not more, his story as it is Michelangelo's. The narrative revolves around the gigantic slab of marble that has lain, abandoned, in the cathedral precinct for decades. When the city fathers announce a contest to carve a figure from the stone, Jacopo invites Michelangelo back from Rome to collaborate with him on an entry. Although Jacopo's suggestions influence Michelangelo's designs, Michelangelo submits a proposal in his own name and wins the commission. He withdraws, surly and alone, into a high wooden pen to work on the statue in private, while Jacopo, ever the fun-loving, garrulous prankster, fritters away his sister's dowry and his own self-worth at the gambling table, waiting to be invited to help. Slowly, meticulously, Michelangelo's tools rasp away at the marble, giving exquisite form to the beauty of his vision. Just as steadily, and with as much painful effort, frustration and circumstance chip away at Jacopo's resistance, urging him to abandon his sloth and free his own talent from unreasonable expectations. With Michelangelo's unexpected help, Jacopo learns that he can either wallow, unproductive and overlooked, in envy, or use it as a spur toward greatness. It is a choice all creatives face as they contemplate the grand achievements of the artists that have preceded them.
Based on a true story and replete with the details of technique and historical context that only an expert in the field can provide, Laura Morelli's THE GIANT provides a fascinating, satisfying account of the creation of one of the Renaissance's most revered works of art. Its convincing evocation of the vibrant artistic culture of early sixteenth century Florence reveals that, for many an artist, the most exacting challenge is not competing against other creators, but inspiring the reluctant self. Highly recommended.
Narrated in Jacopo's engaging, first-person voice, THE GIANT is as much, if not more, his story as it is Michelangelo's. The narrative revolves around the gigantic slab of marble that has lain, abandoned, in the cathedral precinct for decades. When the city fathers announce a contest to carve a figure from the stone, Jacopo invites Michelangelo back from Rome to collaborate with him on an entry. Although Jacopo's suggestions influence Michelangelo's designs, Michelangelo submits a proposal in his own name and wins the commission. He withdraws, surly and alone, into a high wooden pen to work on the statue in private, while Jacopo, ever the fun-loving, garrulous prankster, fritters away his sister's dowry and his own self-worth at the gambling table, waiting to be invited to help. Slowly, meticulously, Michelangelo's tools rasp away at the marble, giving exquisite form to the beauty of his vision. Just as steadily, and with as much painful effort, frustration and circumstance chip away at Jacopo's resistance, urging him to abandon his sloth and free his own talent from unreasonable expectations. With Michelangelo's unexpected help, Jacopo learns that he can either wallow, unproductive and overlooked, in envy, or use it as a spur toward greatness. It is a choice all creatives face as they contemplate the grand achievements of the artists that have preceded them.
Based on a true story and replete with the details of technique and historical context that only an expert in the field can provide, Laura Morelli's THE GIANT provides a fascinating, satisfying account of the creation of one of the Renaissance's most revered works of art. Its convincing evocation of the vibrant artistic culture of early sixteenth century Florence reveals that, for many an artist, the most exacting challenge is not competing against other creators, but inspiring the reluctant self. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2020
I have a weak spot for novels set in renaissance Italy. Especially if they are well written. This one is, read it!
There's not a lot of action in this novel, yet it's still interesting all the way through! I liked the subtle yet ever present emotional tension between our main character and POV Jacopo Torni and the star of the book Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Renaissance Florence comes to life through the eyes of Jacopo "L'Indaco" Torni. And he himself is an intriguing character. If you don't mind the lack of action you should really give this book a try!
There's not a lot of action in this novel, yet it's still interesting all the way through! I liked the subtle yet ever present emotional tension between our main character and POV Jacopo Torni and the star of the book Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Renaissance Florence comes to life through the eyes of Jacopo "L'Indaco" Torni. And he himself is an intriguing character. If you don't mind the lack of action you should really give this book a try!
June 11, 2020
A beautifully written novel about the creation of one of the most famous works of art in history.
June 14, 2021
I want to actually give this 2.5 stars. The story itself was fine, that of a childhood friend (Jacopo Torni) of Michelangelo's writing to him to return to Florence to compete in sculpting a giant slab of marble sitting dormant for decades. Michelangelo and David are supporting characters to Jacopo and his struggles to be a successful artist.
While Jacopo has talent as a painter, he also has a gambling problem that keeps him from being able to maintain his house and properly support his sister (who lives with him) and younger brother, who he has sent to another studio far away to work. Told in first person, the repetitiveness of reading Jacopo's thoughts of negativity and self-pity started to grate a bit. It's not the recognition of his addiction, it's the number of times having to read the same feelings. I get it!
Also, I don't feel the novel successfully brought out the implied sense of humour that seemed to be Jacopo's strong point. I think that given that his dark thoughts of inferiority were constantly shared with the readers, when he made jokes, they fell flat for me. I wish that it came across more that Jacopo hides behind his sense of humour to make all look well to the outside world, but I felt the jokes were forced and not even that funny.
I like Morelli's choice of subjects but found that with all three of the books I've read by her more editing is required. Some scenes jump too abruptly and don't flow, some bits seem to be included not to contribute to the story but rather throwing in some historical knowledge, there is much repetition of thoughts and ideas (as above with Jacopo's self condemnation), and unnecessary text: for example, in an awkward scene, Jacopo meets a group of visitors from Spain, then finds out that one of the women can actually speak Tuscan and the two have a conversation and part. In the next paragraph, Morelli writes of Isabel, the Tuscan speaking Spanish woman, as if we need a reminder already. I think this scene could have completely been left out and in fact would have made the book a bit stronger.
Also, not a big deal, but I have a pet peeve when Leonardo is called "da Vinci" because of the popularity of The Da Vinci code. It was particularly annoying to me here as Morelli is a PhD in Art History.
Finally, I felt that Stephanie Storey's Oil and Marble dealt with this story more successfully; Michelangelo's carving of the David actually figured as the main plot and not a side story, and included his rivalry with Leonardo for the commission.
While Jacopo has talent as a painter, he also has a gambling problem that keeps him from being able to maintain his house and properly support his sister (who lives with him) and younger brother, who he has sent to another studio far away to work. Told in first person, the repetitiveness of reading Jacopo's thoughts of negativity and self-pity started to grate a bit. It's not the recognition of his addiction, it's the number of times having to read the same feelings. I get it!
Also, I don't feel the novel successfully brought out the implied sense of humour that seemed to be Jacopo's strong point. I think that given that his dark thoughts of inferiority were constantly shared with the readers, when he made jokes, they fell flat for me. I wish that it came across more that Jacopo hides behind his sense of humour to make all look well to the outside world, but I felt the jokes were forced and not even that funny.
I like Morelli's choice of subjects but found that with all three of the books I've read by her more editing is required. Some scenes jump too abruptly and don't flow, some bits seem to be included not to contribute to the story but rather throwing in some historical knowledge, there is much repetition of thoughts and ideas (as above with Jacopo's self condemnation), and unnecessary text: for example, in an awkward scene, Jacopo meets a group of visitors from Spain, then finds out that one of the women can actually speak Tuscan and the two have a conversation and part. In the next paragraph, Morelli writes of Isabel, the Tuscan speaking Spanish woman, as if we need a reminder already. I think this scene could have completely been left out and in fact would have made the book a bit stronger.
Also, not a big deal, but I have a pet peeve when Leonardo is called "da Vinci" because of the popularity of The Da Vinci code. It was particularly annoying to me here as Morelli is a PhD in Art History.
Finally, I felt that Stephanie Storey's Oil and Marble dealt with this story more successfully; Michelangelo's carving of the David actually figured as the main plot and not a side story, and included his rivalry with Leonardo for the commission.
November 14, 2022
The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo’s David is by Laura Morelli. This book takes place in Florence, Italy beginning in 1501.
Jacopo Torni is a young painter who had studied under the same patron as Michelangelo before he became well-known. Jacopo was the son of an illuminator and his sister had followed in her father’s footsteps as well as keeping house for her brother after their parents’ deaths. The only thing they owned was their house and although it had once been a rather nice one, it was wearing down and Jacopo was not able to fix it. Jacopo had gotten himself into trouble with the council who ran Florence and owed a debt he was to pay off by painting part of a fresco at San Pier Martire. However, he only worked sporadically on it and any other painting he did and what coins he was paid went quickly into others pockets as he played cards and bet and bet at the taverns in town. His sister’s meager earnings went to put food on the table. Their younger brother was traveling in the country with an artistic group doing frescos and learning.
When Jacopo heard of a competition being held for the right to produce a statue out of a huge piece of Carrera marble that had been lying in a work yard for as long as Jacopo could remember. He and Michelangelo had played around the marble as children and then as young men had studied I to see what could possibly be made from it. He knew that Michelangelo would get the commission if he knew about it and would do a wonderful sculpture. Of course, he would want Jacopo to help him with it. So, with his last coins, he sent a letter telling his friend about the competition. Will Michelangelo return to Florence for the competition and will he once more work alongside Jacopo?
From her research into Italian art and artists and into the statue of David, Laura Morelli has written a delightful novel about Michelangelo’s creation of David. She tells it from the perspective of another artist who was friends with Michelangelo and who did not have confidence in himself as either an artist, painter, or sculptor. She takes us back to Florence where we meet up with da Vinci, Botticelli, and Sansovino and learn about Donitello and other older painters and sculptors. Her works are wonderful and take us back into time.
Jacopo Torni is a young painter who had studied under the same patron as Michelangelo before he became well-known. Jacopo was the son of an illuminator and his sister had followed in her father’s footsteps as well as keeping house for her brother after their parents’ deaths. The only thing they owned was their house and although it had once been a rather nice one, it was wearing down and Jacopo was not able to fix it. Jacopo had gotten himself into trouble with the council who ran Florence and owed a debt he was to pay off by painting part of a fresco at San Pier Martire. However, he only worked sporadically on it and any other painting he did and what coins he was paid went quickly into others pockets as he played cards and bet and bet at the taverns in town. His sister’s meager earnings went to put food on the table. Their younger brother was traveling in the country with an artistic group doing frescos and learning.
When Jacopo heard of a competition being held for the right to produce a statue out of a huge piece of Carrera marble that had been lying in a work yard for as long as Jacopo could remember. He and Michelangelo had played around the marble as children and then as young men had studied I to see what could possibly be made from it. He knew that Michelangelo would get the commission if he knew about it and would do a wonderful sculpture. Of course, he would want Jacopo to help him with it. So, with his last coins, he sent a letter telling his friend about the competition. Will Michelangelo return to Florence for the competition and will he once more work alongside Jacopo?
From her research into Italian art and artists and into the statue of David, Laura Morelli has written a delightful novel about Michelangelo’s creation of David. She tells it from the perspective of another artist who was friends with Michelangelo and who did not have confidence in himself as either an artist, painter, or sculptor. She takes us back to Florence where we meet up with da Vinci, Botticelli, and Sansovino and learn about Donitello and other older painters and sculptors. Her works are wonderful and take us back into time.
June 12, 2020
NOTE: I was gifted this manuscript in return for an honest evaluation.
Laura Morelli’s Art History Major background was well noted in “The Giant: a novel of Michelangelo’s David.” She chronicles the life and times of the 1500’s in Renaissance Florence, Italy through the eyes of Jacopo Torni, also known as “L’Indaco” or “Blue Boy,” a name given him by his childhood friend, Michelangelo Buonarotti (“Little Michael Angel”), the famous sculptor. As is Morelli’s way, we are introduced to quite a village of characters as she fleshes out the feel of city, crafts of the times, their festivals and daily lives.
Jacopo, who one might label a late-bloomer or slacker, has troubles with gambling and an indolent way of life while living with his sister, Lucia, who basically makes his life easy by taking care of him and turning a blind eye to his losses of any money he earns—to the point of his having been arrested for gambling debts. He is now fulfilling his sentence by painting portions of a chapel for penance—when he shows up to do the job.
Meanwhile, most often Michelangelo is described as greasy-haired and slovenly in appearance while pondering and sketching renderings for his masterpiece. We discover that while it is L’Indaco who has brought him here as a partner for the competition among sculptors to win the bid to create David’s statue, Michelangelo chooses to ignore his friend, work alone and in secret on the project. The two have a somewhat on again-off again relationship that extends throughout the book, adding tension to the storyline. L’Indaco is hurt by the betrayal of Michelangelo being there to build the statue while ignoring his friendship and is struggling with his not being as great a Master and as renown as Michelangelo is.
For me, it was as though Michelangelo was the catalyst of the coming of age of L’Indaco who finds himself challenged in several ways by Michelangelo’s presence in their hometown after Michelangelo has made it big in the city of Rome.
This is not a fast-paced story but it is very rich in detail that creates the feeling of escape to a time and place of yesteryear, easily making you feel the humming of Florence's city life. It is a story of betrayal, competition and of love. Well done, Ms. Morelli!
Laura Morelli’s Art History Major background was well noted in “The Giant: a novel of Michelangelo’s David.” She chronicles the life and times of the 1500’s in Renaissance Florence, Italy through the eyes of Jacopo Torni, also known as “L’Indaco” or “Blue Boy,” a name given him by his childhood friend, Michelangelo Buonarotti (“Little Michael Angel”), the famous sculptor. As is Morelli’s way, we are introduced to quite a village of characters as she fleshes out the feel of city, crafts of the times, their festivals and daily lives.
Jacopo, who one might label a late-bloomer or slacker, has troubles with gambling and an indolent way of life while living with his sister, Lucia, who basically makes his life easy by taking care of him and turning a blind eye to his losses of any money he earns—to the point of his having been arrested for gambling debts. He is now fulfilling his sentence by painting portions of a chapel for penance—when he shows up to do the job.
Meanwhile, most often Michelangelo is described as greasy-haired and slovenly in appearance while pondering and sketching renderings for his masterpiece. We discover that while it is L’Indaco who has brought him here as a partner for the competition among sculptors to win the bid to create David’s statue, Michelangelo chooses to ignore his friend, work alone and in secret on the project. The two have a somewhat on again-off again relationship that extends throughout the book, adding tension to the storyline. L’Indaco is hurt by the betrayal of Michelangelo being there to build the statue while ignoring his friendship and is struggling with his not being as great a Master and as renown as Michelangelo is.
For me, it was as though Michelangelo was the catalyst of the coming of age of L’Indaco who finds himself challenged in several ways by Michelangelo’s presence in their hometown after Michelangelo has made it big in the city of Rome.
This is not a fast-paced story but it is very rich in detail that creates the feeling of escape to a time and place of yesteryear, easily making you feel the humming of Florence's city life. It is a story of betrayal, competition and of love. Well done, Ms. Morelli!
June 10, 2023
The Giant ~ A Novel of Michelangelo's David by Laura Morelli is a fascinating story set in post-Medici, 1500's, Florence, Italy. After winning the commission to sculpt this colossal 'giant', we read about Michelangelo's difficulties in his preparation to get the work started and completed. Along with his boyhood friend, Jacobo, this intriguing story takes you on a journey through the minds of these two men. The ups and owns of starving and competing artists in this time of volatility and poverty.
What we learn about Jacobo, is that he is forced to take any job he can so he can pay down some debts and he realizes the jobs are not noteworthy and is jealous because of the notoriety of others. His best friend Michelangelo is a strange and introverted soul and Jacobo is resentful of him because of his continued successes and most especially his new appointment to sculpt 'David'.
The story reveals Michelangelo's sculpting of the David from a flawed piece of marble that had been laying around for 40 years until he wins the commission and the statue of David becomes a symbol of the city of Florence . A tremendously well-researched story, with a lot about the life in Renaissance Florence.
I always love to get to the the author's note so the author can reveal little gems about their research and offer some insight to their work.
I really appreciated reading and learning everything in this book so much.
What we learn about Jacobo, is that he is forced to take any job he can so he can pay down some debts and he realizes the jobs are not noteworthy and is jealous because of the notoriety of others. His best friend Michelangelo is a strange and introverted soul and Jacobo is resentful of him because of his continued successes and most especially his new appointment to sculpt 'David'.
The story reveals Michelangelo's sculpting of the David from a flawed piece of marble that had been laying around for 40 years until he wins the commission and the statue of David becomes a symbol of the city of Florence . A tremendously well-researched story, with a lot about the life in Renaissance Florence.
I always love to get to the the author's note so the author can reveal little gems about their research and offer some insight to their work.
I really appreciated reading and learning everything in this book so much.
November 7, 2023
This is an example of the importance of a book’s title. As it is one of my Book Club’s selections, I didn’t read anything about this novel ahead of time. So I felt terribly misled to discover it is more about Jocapo Torni, Michelangelo’s childhood friend, than it is about Michelangelo and the David. Torni writes to Michelangelo, summoning him back to Florence to win the competition to sculpt the David. His Intention is to work with Michelangelo on the piece and share in his glory. When Michelangelo reminds him that he always works alone, Torni spends a bulk of the novel moaning and groaning about his bitter disappointment. On top of that, he has descended into debt because of his gambling addiction and his despair that he is not a great artist himself. I almost did not finish the book, but pressed on. Once I set aside my disappointment, I enjoyed learning about life in Florence in the early 1500’s. Morelli’s writing brought to life the many ways people sustained themselves, their work and food habits, their festivals and entertainments, wedding protocols, etc. The second half of the book focused on Torni’s acceptance of his limitations and the love of his sister and brother. What I liked most of all was Morelli’s author’s note at the end explaining what she intended the book to be, offering up factual detail about the lives of both artists.
March 13, 2023
Compelling novel pulls us back to root for Michelangelo!
It was on a trip to Italy with my family when I was 13 years old that I first saw Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. The up-close image is still strong in my mind. David’s serene, serious face, the still before the storm, just before he will hurl his shepherd stones at the bully Goliath. More than 500 years since Michelangelo carved it. The physical form emits glorious beauty and grace even now. Imagine then how this historical novel is compelling, pulling us back to just before—before the statue was carved, before it was even conceived of, before Michelangelo was a master artist and sculptor. As the story unfolds, cleverly told through the eyes and experiences of a rival of Michelangelo, Jacopo Torni, we see the political backdrop, the stresses of daily living, the role artists played in 16th century Italian culture. We see how Michelangelo challenges the status of the older Da Vinci. We root for Michelangelo—and Jacopo too—to attempt to bring an idealized concept into physical form through their art. Author Morelli’s vivid world-building, enriched with careful research, brings us front and center to David’s creation. And now I must book a ticket to see David in person again!
It was on a trip to Italy with my family when I was 13 years old that I first saw Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. The up-close image is still strong in my mind. David’s serene, serious face, the still before the storm, just before he will hurl his shepherd stones at the bully Goliath. More than 500 years since Michelangelo carved it. The physical form emits glorious beauty and grace even now. Imagine then how this historical novel is compelling, pulling us back to just before—before the statue was carved, before it was even conceived of, before Michelangelo was a master artist and sculptor. As the story unfolds, cleverly told through the eyes and experiences of a rival of Michelangelo, Jacopo Torni, we see the political backdrop, the stresses of daily living, the role artists played in 16th century Italian culture. We see how Michelangelo challenges the status of the older Da Vinci. We root for Michelangelo—and Jacopo too—to attempt to bring an idealized concept into physical form through their art. Author Morelli’s vivid world-building, enriched with careful research, brings us front and center to David’s creation. And now I must book a ticket to see David in person again!
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