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The Color Storm
Atmospheric and suspenseful, The Colour Storm is an intoxicating story of art and ambition, love and obsession in Renaissance Venice . . .
'A glorious, exuberant read' THE TIMES
'Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing' RACHEL JOYCE
'A rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice' CHLOË ASHBY, AUTHOR OF WET PAINT
'An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour'
SUNDAY TIMES
_______
Venice, 1510.
The world's greatest artists gather to enjoy fame, fortune, and colour. When a wealthy merchant discovers a mysterious new pigment, he knows it would create a masterpiece in the right hands.
For struggling artist Giorgione 'Zorzo' Barbarelli, success is far from reach. Until he's commissioned by the merchant to paint a portrait of his wife, Sybille.
Impress him, and Zorzo could acquire the most coveted colour in the world - and write his name in history.
But it is Sybille whose eye he catches. And when their relationship drags Zorzo into a conspiracy spanning the entire continent, it is far more than his career in danger . . .
_______
'Art and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice' STYLIST
'An intoxicating story about an incredible period in history' THE SUN
'A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully'
A. D. SWANSTON
'Hugely evocative, it's a love story, it's a thriller, it's a fantastic page turner' SOPHIE HAYDOCK, AUTHOR OF THE FLAMES
'An alluring Renaissance mystery of rivalry in love and art, where the gothic dank darkness of Venice is steeped in dreams of exquisite colour'
ESSIE FOX
Praise for Damian Dibben
'An epic tale of love, of courage, of hope' Evening Standard
'I was captivated from the beginning' Rachel Joyce, bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
'Original, ambitious, moving' Stylist
' Bask in the brilliance' The Mail on Sunday
'A glorious, exuberant read' THE TIMES
'Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing' RACHEL JOYCE
'A rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice' CHLOË ASHBY, AUTHOR OF WET PAINT
'An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour'
SUNDAY TIMES
_______
Venice, 1510.
The world's greatest artists gather to enjoy fame, fortune, and colour. When a wealthy merchant discovers a mysterious new pigment, he knows it would create a masterpiece in the right hands.
For struggling artist Giorgione 'Zorzo' Barbarelli, success is far from reach. Until he's commissioned by the merchant to paint a portrait of his wife, Sybille.
Impress him, and Zorzo could acquire the most coveted colour in the world - and write his name in history.
But it is Sybille whose eye he catches. And when their relationship drags Zorzo into a conspiracy spanning the entire continent, it is far more than his career in danger . . .
_______
'Art and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice' STYLIST
'An intoxicating story about an incredible period in history' THE SUN
'A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully'
A. D. SWANSTON
'Hugely evocative, it's a love story, it's a thriller, it's a fantastic page turner' SOPHIE HAYDOCK, AUTHOR OF THE FLAMES
'An alluring Renaissance mystery of rivalry in love and art, where the gothic dank darkness of Venice is steeped in dreams of exquisite colour'
ESSIE FOX
Praise for Damian Dibben
'An epic tale of love, of courage, of hope' Evening Standard
'I was captivated from the beginning' Rachel Joyce, bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
'Original, ambitious, moving' Stylist
' Bask in the brilliance' The Mail on Sunday
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2022
74 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Damian Dibben
6 books212 followersDamian Dibben is a best-selling British author. His novels have been translated into 27 languages, in over 40 countries. His latest, THE COLOUR STORM, a love story and thriller set in the art world of the renaissance, is published by MichaelJoseph/Penguin in the UK in June 2022 and HarperCollins in the US this September.
His previous novels include the critically acclaimed TOMORROW, (2018) as well as the international sensation, THE HISTORY KEEPERS series.
Damian has worked extensively as a screenwriter on projects as diverse as Phantom Of The Opera and Puss In Boots. He lives on London's Southbank with his partner Ali and three dogs, Dudley, Daphne & Velvet.
Praise for THE COLOUR STORM:
"An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour". THE SUNDAY TIMES
"Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing". RACHEL JOYCE
"A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully". A. D. SWANSTON
His previous novels include the critically acclaimed TOMORROW, (2018) as well as the international sensation, THE HISTORY KEEPERS series.
Damian has worked extensively as a screenwriter on projects as diverse as Phantom Of The Opera and Puss In Boots. He lives on London's Southbank with his partner Ali and three dogs, Dudley, Daphne & Velvet.
Praise for THE COLOUR STORM:
"An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour". THE SUNDAY TIMES
"Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing". RACHEL JOYCE
"A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully". A. D. SWANSTON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 4, 2023
Opowieść o wielkiej sztuce i wielkiej tajemnicy.
Damian Dibben odkrywa przed czytelnikami świat wielkich, rozchwytywanych artystów początków epoki renesansu. Pozwala poznać stosunki panujące między artystami, ukazuje ich ludzkie strony, możliwe charaktery. I tak genialny da Vinci jawi się jako nieco ekscentryczna legenda za życia. Michał Anioł to oszpecony przez lata pracy na wysokościach, dumny i pewny siebie artysta. Tycjan to młody, tak utalentowany malarz, który dopiero zdobędzie sławę. Dibben przybliża również procesy powstawania obrazów, pozwala zajrzeć za drzwi pracowni i poznać tajniki pracy artystów. Ale! Przede wszystkim ukazuje umiłowanie koloru – uczucie artysty do drogocennych barwników, których wartość przekracza wszelkie możliwe domysły. Kolor, którego nikt nie widział to prawdziwe wyzwanie. A jego odkrycie – ba, użycie – to zapewnienie sobie nieśmiertelności po wsze czasy.
Aż trudno uwierzyć, że to opowieść o artystach, o malarzach, o twórcach renesansowego przełomu! „Burzę kolorów” czyta się jak najlepszy thriller historyczny. Jak opowieść o wielkiej tajemnicy, o sekrecie, który trzeba odkryć. Damian Dibben wiedział, jak przyciągnąć naszą uwagę – wspomnienie o Księciu Orientu wywołuje rumieniec i ogień w oczach czytelnika już po kilku zaledwie stronach. Chcemy wiedzieć, chcemy widzieć, chcemy być częścią tego odkrycia. Gorączkowo pochłaniamy kolejne rozdziały, przenikamy do rzeczywistości Zorza, gonimy za tym, co tak nieuchwytne i niemal magiczne.
Autor „Mam na imię Jutro” znów narobił historycznego szumu i rozgrzał czytelnicze emocje.
Damian Dibben odkrywa przed czytelnikami świat wielkich, rozchwytywanych artystów początków epoki renesansu. Pozwala poznać stosunki panujące między artystami, ukazuje ich ludzkie strony, możliwe charaktery. I tak genialny da Vinci jawi się jako nieco ekscentryczna legenda za życia. Michał Anioł to oszpecony przez lata pracy na wysokościach, dumny i pewny siebie artysta. Tycjan to młody, tak utalentowany malarz, który dopiero zdobędzie sławę. Dibben przybliża również procesy powstawania obrazów, pozwala zajrzeć za drzwi pracowni i poznać tajniki pracy artystów. Ale! Przede wszystkim ukazuje umiłowanie koloru – uczucie artysty do drogocennych barwników, których wartość przekracza wszelkie możliwe domysły. Kolor, którego nikt nie widział to prawdziwe wyzwanie. A jego odkrycie – ba, użycie – to zapewnienie sobie nieśmiertelności po wsze czasy.
Aż trudno uwierzyć, że to opowieść o artystach, o malarzach, o twórcach renesansowego przełomu! „Burzę kolorów” czyta się jak najlepszy thriller historyczny. Jak opowieść o wielkiej tajemnicy, o sekrecie, który trzeba odkryć. Damian Dibben wiedział, jak przyciągnąć naszą uwagę – wspomnienie o Księciu Orientu wywołuje rumieniec i ogień w oczach czytelnika już po kilku zaledwie stronach. Chcemy wiedzieć, chcemy widzieć, chcemy być częścią tego odkrycia. Gorączkowo pochłaniamy kolejne rozdziały, przenikamy do rzeczywistości Zorza, gonimy za tym, co tak nieuchwytne i niemal magiczne.
Autor „Mam na imię Jutro” znów narobił historycznego szumu i rozgrzał czytelnicze emocje.
November 6, 2022
“What is your favorite, I wonder - the color you couldn’t live without?”
This is a compelling and spellbinding story set in Renaissance Venice and centered around a great painter who is searching for a new colour to make his mark upon history.
Spectacularly written, The Colour Storm by Damian Dibben, explores the impact colour had on Renaissance life and painting. The protagonist, Giorgione ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli, one of the greatest Renaissance artists, hears about a new colour coming to Venice and he desperately wants it. He believes that this new pigment has the power to change his fate. He scores a commission with the proprietor of this fabled colour to paint his wife and plans on using this ‘foot in the door’ opportunity to secure the colour for himself. Sybille Fugger is enthralling and, swept up in his quest, Zorzo doesn’t realize he’s become the victim of love and of conspiracy.
“A color, the right one, an exquisite one, can turn a good painting into a masterpiece.”
The story reads like a film and the Dibben has given special attention to his exploration of “colour’s hidden dimensions and how everything is constantly at play in the mind’s eye.” Immense detail is given in describing the character’s clothing and each scene is connected with a reflection of the colour in the merchant’s wife’s clothing.
“Before he has time to respond, she’s gone, a bustle of ultramarine hurrying to the hall.”
When one of my favourite authors, Stephanie Storey, gushed about this novel, I knew I had to read it ASAP. It featured one of my favourite cities and historical periods, focused on art, was extremely well written and re-ignited my passion for historical fiction. Dibben expertly explores art, ambition, love and obsession during the Renaissance. I loved Leda’s wisdom about the importance of the marks we leave behind and could understand clearly the author’s purpose in sharing Giorgione’s drive to make a mark upon history. I’m still reflecting on the paradox the characters highlighted - that they were able to buy anything except a guarantee of life. As the plague reached Venice, this became a reality for the wealthy. In weak parallel, the last few years have taught us that our recent ‘plague’, too, is no respecter of persons nor health status.
As you turn over the last page, you’ll know with certainty that Dibben trained as an artist and scenic designer prior to writing novels. His passion, in all its shades, shines through his words. In describing himself, Dibben has mirrored his newest follower - me - when he states, “I'm learning mad’ and believe that “to travel is to live.”
“Everything has colour hidden within it. Colour is the purest form of things, of us even.”
What colour will you show the world today? I hope I radiate a bright, positive and cheery yellow.
Did you know that black was the most expensive colour of the renaissance?
This book deserves ALL THE STARS. Historical fiction lovers, go secure yourself a copy.
This is a compelling and spellbinding story set in Renaissance Venice and centered around a great painter who is searching for a new colour to make his mark upon history.
Spectacularly written, The Colour Storm by Damian Dibben, explores the impact colour had on Renaissance life and painting. The protagonist, Giorgione ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli, one of the greatest Renaissance artists, hears about a new colour coming to Venice and he desperately wants it. He believes that this new pigment has the power to change his fate. He scores a commission with the proprietor of this fabled colour to paint his wife and plans on using this ‘foot in the door’ opportunity to secure the colour for himself. Sybille Fugger is enthralling and, swept up in his quest, Zorzo doesn’t realize he’s become the victim of love and of conspiracy.
“A color, the right one, an exquisite one, can turn a good painting into a masterpiece.”
The story reads like a film and the Dibben has given special attention to his exploration of “colour’s hidden dimensions and how everything is constantly at play in the mind’s eye.” Immense detail is given in describing the character’s clothing and each scene is connected with a reflection of the colour in the merchant’s wife’s clothing.
“Before he has time to respond, she’s gone, a bustle of ultramarine hurrying to the hall.”
When one of my favourite authors, Stephanie Storey, gushed about this novel, I knew I had to read it ASAP. It featured one of my favourite cities and historical periods, focused on art, was extremely well written and re-ignited my passion for historical fiction. Dibben expertly explores art, ambition, love and obsession during the Renaissance. I loved Leda’s wisdom about the importance of the marks we leave behind and could understand clearly the author’s purpose in sharing Giorgione’s drive to make a mark upon history. I’m still reflecting on the paradox the characters highlighted - that they were able to buy anything except a guarantee of life. As the plague reached Venice, this became a reality for the wealthy. In weak parallel, the last few years have taught us that our recent ‘plague’, too, is no respecter of persons nor health status.
As you turn over the last page, you’ll know with certainty that Dibben trained as an artist and scenic designer prior to writing novels. His passion, in all its shades, shines through his words. In describing himself, Dibben has mirrored his newest follower - me - when he states, “I'm learning mad’ and believe that “to travel is to live.”
“Everything has colour hidden within it. Colour is the purest form of things, of us even.”
What colour will you show the world today? I hope I radiate a bright, positive and cheery yellow.
Did you know that black was the most expensive colour of the renaissance?
This book deserves ALL THE STARS. Historical fiction lovers, go secure yourself a copy.
August 24, 2022
I've not read anything by Damian Dibben before, but this was one of those books that after a few pages, you know you're in the hands of a very accomplished author. The writing is so assured, so fluent, it was like being on a gondola in Venice yourself, being pushed smoothly along the water. In terms of the story--about a Venetian painter searching for an elusive pigment to best all the other colourists in the painting world--it was not what I was expecting. My heart sank a bit when I started to grasp the direction of the story, but the writing was so good that I was pulled into it against my assumptions, and really quite enjoyed it...mostly. There were a few parts that sat less well with me. The characterisation of Sybille: she was made to be so unlikeable, so mercurial, so detached from lucidity that it was hard to fully understand Zorzo's love for her. I understand that he was supposed to be sort of fascinated with her, but it drained the relationship of much passion and made me care less when things went awry, and get more frustrated that he tried to help her. The end also felt a bit dragged out. There was a lot of slow moving loose-end-tying to wade through, which detracted a bit from the smooth pace and brilliant writing of the start. I did enjoy, however, Fugger's character, and kind of wish we'd spent more time with him. This is the problem of trying to fit a story around real historical events - you end up squeezing the story into a pre-determined shape, so the some characters are focused on too much and others slightly overlooked.
Overall, I found the book superbly written and an interesting premise, with a slightly flat ending that even so didn't detract from the fact that I enjoyed it.
Overall, I found the book superbly written and an interesting premise, with a slightly flat ending that even so didn't detract from the fact that I enjoyed it.
July 3, 2023
It is rare to come across a book with such an aptly chosen title. The year is 1510 and Damian Dibben takes us to the shimmering city of Venice where a young painter by the name Giorgione (or Zorzo for his friends) straggles to keep his studio afloat. A possibility of a large commission is on the horizon, which would be the most positive news, if not for the fact that the other candidates for the assignment include names like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci… And also, whoever wins that commission, might be able to lay his hands on a mineral that produces a colour that is said to be the most magnificent of them all, and is likely to obtain an undying fame for whoever should use it…
Colours are everywhere in this book. In nature, in the magnificent edifices of Venice, in fabrics and in the faces of the people, and of course in art. In was a very esthetically pleasing experience and at the same time intriguingly plotted story that had my undivided attention all the way to the end.
Colours are everywhere in this book. In nature, in the magnificent edifices of Venice, in fabrics and in the faces of the people, and of course in art. In was a very esthetically pleasing experience and at the same time intriguingly plotted story that had my undivided attention all the way to the end.
January 20, 2023
An art historical set in Renaissance Venice was just the enticement I needed to pick up A Color Storm. New to me author, Damien Dibben had my attention from the first scene of a prologue that takes place after the events in the story and teases the reader into needing to know what happened.
Set in the sixteenth century when many amazing artists were achieving renown this historical based on real life figures delves into the world of Renaissance art. The descriptions of the often stark world of the artist and those who apprenticed in the artist’s studio, the intrigue both political and personal surrounding the wealthy patrons and the artists in their sphere, and of course the personal relationships and characters who peopled The Color Storm particularly Zorzo.
The first half of the book was slow going as Dibben built a huge front porch, so to speak. But, this was necessary so the reader would understand the artists’ world back then and understand that achieving beautiful colors in a painting was not as simple as trotting down to the closest art supply store and purchasing the tubes or cakes of paint in a wide array of ready-made colors. There is also a plethora of artists then who are all in competition for the small numbers of wealthy people who could afford art. Giorgio ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli is brought to life and I enjoyed getting to know him and his story.
With the in depth description, the atmosphere of the time period as well as the art world is brought out. It could be a dangerous time and Zorzo doesn’t even realize the danger he’s in when his need for success to take care of himself and the people he employs sets him on a course to procure the mysterious new color a wealthy merchant holds. Zorzo is absorbed in his work painting Sybille the foreign wife of a wealthy man who holds the secret to a new color pigment that can raise Zorzo above all the other grand artists while conspiracy swirls around him and the plague approaches Venice.
The very end gutted me and I held out hope that it would end differently. Not sure how I feel about it- it works for the story, but I personally wanted something different. I saw some of it coming and The Color Storm was based on history so there wasn’t a big surprise even though I was unfamiliar with the real Giorgio Barbarelli’s career until now and I could Google his art.
And, so this was bittersweet, but I definitely felt swept up in the world of the story and the author’s writing. I can recommend it to historical fiction lovers, lovers of art and the renaissance and those who like historical intrigue.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Hanover Square Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Jan 19th.
Set in the sixteenth century when many amazing artists were achieving renown this historical based on real life figures delves into the world of Renaissance art. The descriptions of the often stark world of the artist and those who apprenticed in the artist’s studio, the intrigue both political and personal surrounding the wealthy patrons and the artists in their sphere, and of course the personal relationships and characters who peopled The Color Storm particularly Zorzo.
The first half of the book was slow going as Dibben built a huge front porch, so to speak. But, this was necessary so the reader would understand the artists’ world back then and understand that achieving beautiful colors in a painting was not as simple as trotting down to the closest art supply store and purchasing the tubes or cakes of paint in a wide array of ready-made colors. There is also a plethora of artists then who are all in competition for the small numbers of wealthy people who could afford art. Giorgio ‘Zorzo’ Barbarelli is brought to life and I enjoyed getting to know him and his story.
With the in depth description, the atmosphere of the time period as well as the art world is brought out. It could be a dangerous time and Zorzo doesn’t even realize the danger he’s in when his need for success to take care of himself and the people he employs sets him on a course to procure the mysterious new color a wealthy merchant holds. Zorzo is absorbed in his work painting Sybille the foreign wife of a wealthy man who holds the secret to a new color pigment that can raise Zorzo above all the other grand artists while conspiracy swirls around him and the plague approaches Venice.
The very end gutted me and I held out hope that it would end differently. Not sure how I feel about it- it works for the story, but I personally wanted something different. I saw some of it coming and The Color Storm was based on history so there wasn’t a big surprise even though I was unfamiliar with the real Giorgio Barbarelli’s career until now and I could Google his art.
And, so this was bittersweet, but I definitely felt swept up in the world of the story and the author’s writing. I can recommend it to historical fiction lovers, lovers of art and the renaissance and those who like historical intrigue.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Hanover Square Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Jan 19th.
November 3, 2022
"Color. It's all color," says Zorzo. "That's where it begins and ends. Venetians understand. Color is mood, love, sorrow, life. Color is what the world is built of."
There are quite a few words in a synopsis where when I see them I just can't resist reading the book and one of those words is Renaissance, especially when it's set in Italy. So when I found out about The Color Storm by Damian Dibben there was no question. I just had to read it and I'm so glad that I did because I loved it so much and could hardly put the book down.
This is the story of the artist Giorgio “Giorgione” Barbarelli’s also known as Zorzo. His career isn't going as good as it once was and he's in quite some debt. Then he hears about a new pigment called 'Prince Orient' that he can't help but be intrigued with. Eventually he comes into contact with the wealthy man that owns the pigment and gets a commision to paint his wife, Sybille. The closer Zorzo gets to Sybille, the more he gets sucked into deceit and deadly schemes that even he won't be able to talk himself out of.
I really am a sucker for books that are about painters in Renaissance Italy and the fact that it's set in Venice I also found really amazing because I feel like most are set in Rome or Florence. At least the ones I've read in the past have been set in those cities so it's been nice to read one set in Venice. I absolutely loved the author's description of the city and its canals. He really immersed the reader in it and it was like being transported back in the past and being there myself.
Another thing that I want to mention is how surprised I was by some of the plot twists of the story. Some of them had me reeling, they were so unexpected. But I do love being surprised by stories! Also need to shout out the character of Leda. Another surprise because I hadn't expected to end up loving her as much when I first met her in the book but she was incredible. A self-made woman in 16th century Italy with her own growing business, how could I not admire and love that.
Overall, The Color Storm is one brilliant read. Damian Dibben showed us the colorful but also darker side of Renaissance Venice, which was such an extraordinary time in history. Definitely one of my favorite books in historical fiction ever!
There are quite a few words in a synopsis where when I see them I just can't resist reading the book and one of those words is Renaissance, especially when it's set in Italy. So when I found out about The Color Storm by Damian Dibben there was no question. I just had to read it and I'm so glad that I did because I loved it so much and could hardly put the book down.
This is the story of the artist Giorgio “Giorgione” Barbarelli’s also known as Zorzo. His career isn't going as good as it once was and he's in quite some debt. Then he hears about a new pigment called 'Prince Orient' that he can't help but be intrigued with. Eventually he comes into contact with the wealthy man that owns the pigment and gets a commision to paint his wife, Sybille. The closer Zorzo gets to Sybille, the more he gets sucked into deceit and deadly schemes that even he won't be able to talk himself out of.
I really am a sucker for books that are about painters in Renaissance Italy and the fact that it's set in Venice I also found really amazing because I feel like most are set in Rome or Florence. At least the ones I've read in the past have been set in those cities so it's been nice to read one set in Venice. I absolutely loved the author's description of the city and its canals. He really immersed the reader in it and it was like being transported back in the past and being there myself.
Another thing that I want to mention is how surprised I was by some of the plot twists of the story. Some of them had me reeling, they were so unexpected. But I do love being surprised by stories! Also need to shout out the character of Leda. Another surprise because I hadn't expected to end up loving her as much when I first met her in the book but she was incredible. A self-made woman in 16th century Italy with her own growing business, how could I not admire and love that.
Overall, The Color Storm is one brilliant read. Damian Dibben showed us the colorful but also darker side of Renaissance Venice, which was such an extraordinary time in history. Definitely one of my favorite books in historical fiction ever!
November 12, 2025
This was enjoyable in parts only. I would say it's a good read between books that maybe demand a bit more attention or focus.
I did grow to enjoy the characters and the story when reading, but I never really thought about either when I wasn't reading it... that might be because I've been spoiled rotten lately with some of the best books I've read in years.
One major gripe I had throughout was the author's insistence on giving practically no descriptive detail about the settng the chatacters occupy in this story. Venice in the year 1510 felt like an open net for the author to be really expressive on the environmental details, but there just seemed to be no interest in that at all, which is a shame in my opinion... maybe not so odd however when you consider one of the themes is personal downfall by way of obsessive attention to detail.
One thing I really enjoyed was the little glimmers of the philosophy of art that shone through in the less plot-focused parts of the book. The discussions about the impact of colour, the nature of lighting, and the intense study of the body as a precursor to art were really enjoyable - I thought those small detours were first class - and at times far more interesting that the main plot.
I did grow to enjoy the characters and the story when reading, but I never really thought about either when I wasn't reading it... that might be because I've been spoiled rotten lately with some of the best books I've read in years.
One major gripe I had throughout was the author's insistence on giving practically no descriptive detail about the settng the chatacters occupy in this story. Venice in the year 1510 felt like an open net for the author to be really expressive on the environmental details, but there just seemed to be no interest in that at all, which is a shame in my opinion... maybe not so odd however when you consider one of the themes is personal downfall by way of obsessive attention to detail.
One thing I really enjoyed was the little glimmers of the philosophy of art that shone through in the less plot-focused parts of the book. The discussions about the impact of colour, the nature of lighting, and the intense study of the body as a precursor to art were really enjoyable - I thought those small detours were first class - and at times far more interesting that the main plot.
October 27, 2024
Skończyłam czytać o drugiej w nocy, bo końcówka mnie zassała. Już myślałam, że książka skończy się spokojnie, przewidywalnie, wręcz mdło, tymczasem cóż to była za puenta! Kompletnie się nie spodziewałam. W jednej chwili książka ze spokojnej zrobiła się przykra. Dosłownie złamała mi serce. Zorzo (Giorgio "Giorgione" Barbarelli) to jedna z tych postaci, których los potwornie mnie zabolał i współczuję mu strasznie. Nie zasłużył na taki los. Zasłużył na znacznie, znacznie więcej :( Dobrze, że nie pamiętałam już z historii sztuki jego biografii, bo zepsułoby mi to zabawę. Niestety los książkowego malarza zmierza dokładnie do tego samego punktu, co historycznie. No cóż, został mi ból, smutek i zgrzytanie zębami...
Co zaś się tyczy samego kunsztu pisarskiego autora, to jestem urzeczona językiem, jakim opisuje barwy i malarskie spojrzenie na świat. Coś pięknego. Można dosłownie utonąć w morzu barw lub też, nomen omen, dać się porwać burzy kolorów.
Co zaś się tyczy samego kunsztu pisarskiego autora, to jestem urzeczona językiem, jakim opisuje barwy i malarskie spojrzenie na świat. Coś pięknego. Można dosłownie utonąć w morzu barw lub też, nomen omen, dać się porwać burzy kolorów.
June 15, 2022
Damian Dibben’s previous novel, Tomorrow, was a fascinating and unusual story of an immortal dog searching for his master across two centuries (it was better than it sounds, honestly!). I was curious to see what his next book, The Colour Storm, would be like, but it turns out that it’s a much more conventional historical novel this time. It's also a very good one!
The Colour Storm is the story of the Italian painter Giorgio Barbarelli, who lived and worked in Venice during the Renaissance. He was a real person, as are many of the other characters in the novel, and you may already be familiar with his paintings – if not, you can easily find images online of some of the pieces attributed to him which will give you an idea of the quality of his work.
At the beginning of the novel, Barbarelli – or ‘Zorzo’ as he is called throughout the book – is finding life difficult. Work is becoming hard to find, the competition from other artists is fierce and Zorzo’s debts are increasing. He’s responsible not only for himself, but also for his team of young apprentices and assistants, so he urgently needs to find some way of gaining commissions from rich clients. An opportunity arises when a wealthy German merchant, Jakob Fugger, arrives in Venice and is said to be looking for an artist to paint an altarpiece for St Peter’s Basilica. When Zorzo hears that Fugger also possesses a new colour, a pigment known as ‘prince orient’, he becomes even more determined to bring himself to the merchant’s attention.
In an attempt to win Fugger’s favour, Zorzo agrees to paint a portrait of his wife, Sybille – but as he becomes closer to Sybille, he finds that he has become involved in a conspiracy which could have huge implications for the people of Europe. And then, while Zorzo is still considering his next move, a new threat arrives in Venice…the plague!
The plague plays a part in the later stages of the novel, but before that we follow the story of Zorzo’s search for the prince orient and his entanglement with Jakob and Sybille (also real historical figures). We are given some insights into the workings of an artist’s studio in Renaissance Venice and there are appearances by other famous names from the art world, including Bellini, Titian, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. By focusing on the dark side of life in 16th century Venice, Dibben creates plenty of atmosphere, and although the parts of the book that concentrate on Zorzo’s relationship with Sybille interested me less, I found this an enjoyable read overall.
The Colour Storm is the story of the Italian painter Giorgio Barbarelli, who lived and worked in Venice during the Renaissance. He was a real person, as are many of the other characters in the novel, and you may already be familiar with his paintings – if not, you can easily find images online of some of the pieces attributed to him which will give you an idea of the quality of his work.
At the beginning of the novel, Barbarelli – or ‘Zorzo’ as he is called throughout the book – is finding life difficult. Work is becoming hard to find, the competition from other artists is fierce and Zorzo’s debts are increasing. He’s responsible not only for himself, but also for his team of young apprentices and assistants, so he urgently needs to find some way of gaining commissions from rich clients. An opportunity arises when a wealthy German merchant, Jakob Fugger, arrives in Venice and is said to be looking for an artist to paint an altarpiece for St Peter’s Basilica. When Zorzo hears that Fugger also possesses a new colour, a pigment known as ‘prince orient’, he becomes even more determined to bring himself to the merchant’s attention.
In an attempt to win Fugger’s favour, Zorzo agrees to paint a portrait of his wife, Sybille – but as he becomes closer to Sybille, he finds that he has become involved in a conspiracy which could have huge implications for the people of Europe. And then, while Zorzo is still considering his next move, a new threat arrives in Venice…the plague!
The plague plays a part in the later stages of the novel, but before that we follow the story of Zorzo’s search for the prince orient and his entanglement with Jakob and Sybille (also real historical figures). We are given some insights into the workings of an artist’s studio in Renaissance Venice and there are appearances by other famous names from the art world, including Bellini, Titian, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. By focusing on the dark side of life in 16th century Venice, Dibben creates plenty of atmosphere, and although the parts of the book that concentrate on Zorzo’s relationship with Sybille interested me less, I found this an enjoyable read overall.
November 13, 2022
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction but none set in Venice. For that reason I wanted to read this book. For me it starts slow . There were some interesting parts and I wasn’t quite expecting the ending.
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
November 9, 2022
Review copy courtesy of Hanover Square Press in exchange for my review.
I’m a fan of historical fiction but especially books based on the life of artists. I love to do computer searches for their works of art which adds a layer of enjoyment to the story. I learned so much about artist Giorgione Barbarelli, one of the founders of the Venetian school of the Renaissance era. This is a story of intrigue, survival, and the quest for color. The scene was set in the first half of the novel which slowed the pace for me but when the drama picked up I felt rewarded for hanging in there. There were times I wished for more developed characters because a few of the primary ones felt a bit one dimensional. I don’t often wish for more pages but I think this is a time when they could have been put to good use. So that’s a qualified recommendation. Art fans and HF fans might want to add it to their reading list. I’m glad I had the chance to read The Color Storm and would love to see Giorgione’s paintings in person one day.
I’m a fan of historical fiction but especially books based on the life of artists. I love to do computer searches for their works of art which adds a layer of enjoyment to the story. I learned so much about artist Giorgione Barbarelli, one of the founders of the Venetian school of the Renaissance era. This is a story of intrigue, survival, and the quest for color. The scene was set in the first half of the novel which slowed the pace for me but when the drama picked up I felt rewarded for hanging in there. There were times I wished for more developed characters because a few of the primary ones felt a bit one dimensional. I don’t often wish for more pages but I think this is a time when they could have been put to good use. So that’s a qualified recommendation. Art fans and HF fans might want to add it to their reading list. I’m glad I had the chance to read The Color Storm and would love to see Giorgione’s paintings in person one day.
June 28, 2022
Set in Renaissance Venice, this is a story of the artist Giorgione 'Zorzo' Barberelli, who after hearing gossip from a colour pigment seller develops an obsession with a unknown colour pigment known only as Prince Orient.
Beautifully written with atmospheric descriptions that will have you believing you're there following in the footsteps of Zorzo.
With a few twists and turns you don't see coming and an ending that gets you right in the feels. I loved this
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
Beautifully written with atmospheric descriptions that will have you believing you're there following in the footsteps of Zorzo.
With a few twists and turns you don't see coming and an ending that gets you right in the feels. I loved this
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
December 28, 2022
Enjoyed the writing and the historical setting but the story went on a little too long, the characters fell a little flat, and it got preachy towards the end. The main reason I'm rating this book higher than I initially wanted to is because it taught me a lot about art from this era and inspired me to want to seek these out next time I visit a museum.
July 23, 2023
I love novels about art history, making art, and artists, so this was a delight. I was already primed to love it because of Dibben's previous adult novel, Tomorrow (5 stars, read it right away!). This work is much more grounded in reality and is not as exciting but it is a lovely story none the less, and got me looking at images of art from the Renaissance once again.
November 9, 2022
The Color Storm was an enjoyable historical fiction read. The premise was interesting and Zorzo was a delightful character who I was immediately able to get behind. It niggled me when people referred to Leonardo da Vinci as 'Da Vinci', as if it was his surname, but otherwise the period setting and sense of place were well presented. The story also had a few intriguing twists along the way that kept me turning the pages. All up, this was a solid piece of historical fiction and I am giving it four stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2023
Cudownie się bawiłam przy tej książce, wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych rozdziałów. Jako że sama jestem artystką, to temat sztuki i malarstwa jest mi bliski i bardzo dla mnie interesujący. Autor świetnie ukazał sposób myślenia artysty - myślenia światłem i barwami, i to jak postrzega świat. Dobrze zobrazował też realia tamtych czasów i sposób działania pracowni malarskich oraz sam akt malowania. Duży plus za wplecenie prawdziwych postaci historycznych, w tym wielkich malarzy, nawet życie głównego bohatera było zainspirowane życiem prawdziwego Giorgione :)
Jedynie na wątek romantyczny trochę przewracałam oczami, ale na szczęście nie było tego dużo 😅
Jedynie na wątek romantyczny trochę przewracałam oczami, ale na szczęście nie było tego dużo 😅
August 8, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
January 23, 2024
I really liked the descriptions of the painters and particularly of the pigments and colours. I was ready to believe that in the sixteenth century would think that there was an undiscovered colour, prince orient. Unfortunately everything else, especially the silly plot was unbelievable. One whole day wasted!
I forgot to say that the description of dying of plague was almost laughable. Does the author know nothing about how dreadful the plague actually was.
I forgot to say that the description of dying of plague was almost laughable. Does the author know nothing about how dreadful the plague actually was.
July 2, 2024
"The Colour Storm" by Damian Dibben is a truly fantastic piece of writing.
The author takes the reader on a journey to the 16th century Venice. In the book, we meet many famous artists and painters, but there is only one whose story is unlike any other - Zorzo. His story is turbulent and fascinating. He fights to get the new pigment and an order that will make him famous, and he competes with artists like Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci. It's not easy, but he has some help from the mysterious Sybille.
The book is beautifully written, the language is adapted to the 16th century's reality, and the whole story is very well-crafted.
When it comes to the characters, they are nicely developed, they have great backgrounds, and are in no way flat.
The story itself is mesmerising. It's about hope, there's love, there's jealousy, there's rivalry, and there's frustration. It takes the reader into a very colourful world that captures you and won't let go.
I really enjoyed reading "The Colour Storm", I don't think I have ever read a book like that before. It's definitely one of a kind, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes intrigues, slight plot twists, and a subtle romance.
The author takes the reader on a journey to the 16th century Venice. In the book, we meet many famous artists and painters, but there is only one whose story is unlike any other - Zorzo. His story is turbulent and fascinating. He fights to get the new pigment and an order that will make him famous, and he competes with artists like Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci. It's not easy, but he has some help from the mysterious Sybille.
The book is beautifully written, the language is adapted to the 16th century's reality, and the whole story is very well-crafted.
When it comes to the characters, they are nicely developed, they have great backgrounds, and are in no way flat.
The story itself is mesmerising. It's about hope, there's love, there's jealousy, there's rivalry, and there's frustration. It takes the reader into a very colourful world that captures you and won't let go.
I really enjoyed reading "The Colour Storm", I don't think I have ever read a book like that before. It's definitely one of a kind, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes intrigues, slight plot twists, and a subtle romance.
June 28, 2025
A terrific idea for a novel, though this one runs out of steam in the second half.
I loved the concept behind this and the setting is well-drawn. The artist’s search for an elusive and valuable pigment made for terrific reading, but as the story unfolds it gets bogged down in more personal conflicts that cause the novel to drag and takes away from the originality and compelling nature of the initial intrigue.
What I liked about this was the inclusion of historical artists as characters and the sections of the book where the author concentrated on setting and atmosphere. While I didn’t mind that the initial goals of Giorgione take on a more personal bent, that part isn’t anything unique and it gets old fast. I didn’t care much about the central relationship, and that ends up taking up most of the second half of the book.
A shame, because what we did get that is truly art related or sociocontextually related to Venice at this time was quite good. But plot-related decisions lead to those things taking a backseat to something a lot more pedestrian.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved the concept behind this and the setting is well-drawn. The artist’s search for an elusive and valuable pigment made for terrific reading, but as the story unfolds it gets bogged down in more personal conflicts that cause the novel to drag and takes away from the originality and compelling nature of the initial intrigue.
What I liked about this was the inclusion of historical artists as characters and the sections of the book where the author concentrated on setting and atmosphere. While I didn’t mind that the initial goals of Giorgione take on a more personal bent, that part isn’t anything unique and it gets old fast. I didn’t care much about the central relationship, and that ends up taking up most of the second half of the book.
A shame, because what we did get that is truly art related or sociocontextually related to Venice at this time was quite good. But plot-related decisions lead to those things taking a backseat to something a lot more pedestrian.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 30, 2024
I remember seeing The Tempest in the Accademia in Venice, but at the time was not familiar with the artist, Giorgione, who was a pupil of Bellini.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gi...
However, this book caught my attention because the cover said “A novel of Renaissance Venice”. This is one of the best historical novels I have come across (I actually listened to it as an audio book and the narrator is excellent). This was an important time in the development of Western art and Giorgione was at the forefront. Adding political intrigue and drama to the story, a new St. Peter’s basilica was about to be constructed and many artists of the time, Bellini, Lotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci vied for the art commissions. One of the major funders was Jakob Fugger, one of the most wealthy men in history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakob_F...
Dibben has written a fascinating story of how these lives interconnect, with Venice at the height of its power and influence.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gi...
However, this book caught my attention because the cover said “A novel of Renaissance Venice”. This is one of the best historical novels I have come across (I actually listened to it as an audio book and the narrator is excellent). This was an important time in the development of Western art and Giorgione was at the forefront. Adding political intrigue and drama to the story, a new St. Peter’s basilica was about to be constructed and many artists of the time, Bellini, Lotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci vied for the art commissions. One of the major funders was Jakob Fugger, one of the most wealthy men in history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakob_F...
Dibben has written a fascinating story of how these lives interconnect, with Venice at the height of its power and influence.
August 16, 2025
A new author for me but it is a long time since l a book had me hooked as this one did.
Set in Renaissance Venice the plot takes us to all the great and famous artists of that period.
As the main character searches for the pigment, Prince Orient, he is in contact with the great and good of Venice. But as plague overtakes the city and creeps closer to our character it becomes inevitable that the world will loose a great and gifted artist too soon.
l love a book that makes me research into the characters and storyline thus increasing my knowledge and understanding of the events being portrayed.
Hence five stars, definitely worthy.
Set in Renaissance Venice the plot takes us to all the great and famous artists of that period.
As the main character searches for the pigment, Prince Orient, he is in contact with the great and good of Venice. But as plague overtakes the city and creeps closer to our character it becomes inevitable that the world will loose a great and gifted artist too soon.
l love a book that makes me research into the characters and storyline thus increasing my knowledge and understanding of the events being portrayed.
Hence five stars, definitely worthy.
August 27, 2024
Chyba oczekiwałam czegoś więcej… (poprzednia książka od Autora „Mam na imię Jutro” wywołała we mnie znacznie więcej emocji i wywarła na mnie wrażenie). Nie zmienia to faktu, że „Burza kolorów” to pięknie napisana opowieść o pasji, ambicji i obsesji, z zaskakującym rozwojem fabuły.
Pełno tu kolorów, malarstwa i sztuki, a wszystko to w otoczce XV-wiecznej Wenecji.
Mam przeczucie, że potrzebuję trochę czasu, by lektura bardziej do mnie dotarła… :)
Pełno tu kolorów, malarstwa i sztuki, a wszystko to w otoczce XV-wiecznej Wenecji.
Mam przeczucie, że potrzebuję trochę czasu, by lektura bardziej do mnie dotarła… :)
May 21, 2023
Looking to find a new pigment, the artist Zorzo also gets to know the merchant who has brought it to Venice as well as his wife, the intriguing Sybille. An intriguing novel based on actual historical figures.
January 26, 2024
Miałam temu dać 4 gwiazdki ale TAK KOŃCÓWKA, dosłownie ostatnie 50 stron.
To było pełne uroku,klimatu, czułam się jakbym była w tej Wenecji i uczyła się jak być malarzem. Dodatkowo te tajemnice, niespodziewane zwroty akcji i przepraszam bardzo ALE WCIĄŻ MYŚLĘ O TYM JAK TO SIĘ SKOŃCZYŁO.
To było pełne uroku,klimatu, czułam się jakbym była w tej Wenecji i uczyła się jak być malarzem. Dodatkowo te tajemnice, niespodziewane zwroty akcji i przepraszam bardzo ALE WCIĄŻ MYŚLĘ O TYM JAK TO SIĘ SKOŃCZYŁO.
March 3, 2024
Waham się pomiędzy 3 a 4, ale jednak nie sądzę, że ta książka zostanie ze mną na dłużej. Ma jeden ciekawy plot twist, lecz niektóre fragmenty mnie wynudziły. Myślę, że jest po prostu w porządku. Bez szału.
April 22, 2023
Historical thriller set in the art world of 16th C Venice. The protagonist, the real painter Giorgione, is told of a new pigment which could revolutionise painting and he is eager to track it down. The book is full of painting, and painterly descriptions but there is also an increasingly interesting story about his search and his evolving relationship with the disaffected wife of Jakob Fugger, again a real life banker from Germany. The story builds to an exciting climax and I very much enjoyed it - having an interest in art certainly enhanced the experience of reading this book.
September 17, 2023
Poprzednia książka autora bardziej mnie porwała.
July 29, 2024
Incredible addictive story with great historical accuracy on the painters mentioned – it keeps you engaged from the very beginning until the very end!
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