Raphael, Painter in Rome

A Novel

By: Stephanie Storey

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most iconic masterpieces of the Renaissance. Here, in Raphael, Painter in Rome, Storey tells of its creation as never before: through the eyes of Michelangelo's fiercest rival - the young, beautiful, brilliant painter of perfection, Raphael.

Orphaned at age 11, Raphael is determined to keep the deathbed promise he made to his father: become the greatest artist in history. But to be the best, he must beat the best, the legendary sculptor of the David, Michelangelo Buonarroti.

When Pope Julius II calls both artists down to Rome, they are pitted against each other: Michelangelo painting the Sistine Ceiling, while Raphael decorates the pope's private apartments. As Raphael strives toward perfection in paint, he battles internal demons: his desperate ambition, crippling fear of imperfection, and unshakable loneliness. Along the way, he conspires with cardinals, scrambles through the ruins of ancient Rome, and falls in love with a baker's-daughter-turned-prostitute who becomes his muse.

With its gorgeous writing, rich settings, endearing characters, and riveting plot, Raphael, Painter in Rome brings to vivid life these two Renaissance masters going head to head in the deadly halls of the Vatican.

©2020 Stephanie Storey (P)2020 Tantor

History and art and miracles

I loved this book ( as well as oil and marble by Ms Story ). Fascinating historical details of Italy woven in to art history and the history of the Vatican art - with a delightfully woven fictional story . If you love Italy and /or art / buy this book !

From Raphael’ s perspective

I enjoyed this book. Once I let myself get used to the “accent” of the narrator, it added to the story. From my general knowledge of the artists and period, the main outline and characters are accurate and the fictional conversations add life to the history.
It’s fun to look up the works discussed as the appear in the story.

Brought Raphael to Life

In preparation for my trip to Rome, I've been enjoying Renaissance biographies - though I wanted something slightly different for my next read. This audiobook was the perfect solution. It allowed me to learn more about Italy, the art I wanted to see in Rome, and had the refreshing energy of a novel.

Hitherto in my reading experiences, Raphael has always been a background character behind Michelangelo or someone used to bash Carravagio's style. P.J. Ochlan's narration brings a youthful exuberance to author Stephanie Storey's Raphael; a man trying to transform the ugliness of his present day into a beautiful perfection in paint in the hopes reality might bend towards something better. Cheesy? Si, certo! Yet the story and narration kept me engaged throughout. Raphael's motivations are clear and his struggles mostly fascinating. I don't want to say much more as there are some surprises you should enjoy for yourself. Chances are if you're researching this novel, you're part of the audience that would enjoy it.

Fun facts: Although I loved Ochlan's narration, it never stopped sounding like Inigo from the Skyrim companion mod (gamers will understand). "Si, certo" and "Oofa" are now part of my daily vocabulary, much to my wife's chagrin, thanks to hearing them repeatedly throughout the novel. Lastly, I highly recommend checking out Stephanie Storey's website where she shows all the works of art mentioned in her novel conveniently broken down by chapters.

Highly recommend, especially if you're planning a visit to Italy.

Narration Is Great

The story is sometimes a bit long, but never boring. The narration by P. J. Ochlan is amazing, the different voices for the different characters, the Italian accent. Really enjoyed. What I initially did not like was the way Raphael narrated his story throughout the book, talking to the reader. I'm not sure if I missed in the beginning that he was telling his story to someone specific or if I was just supposed to know. But it grew on me later on.

Review of Raphael, Painter in Rome

Such a delightful story, I couldn’t stop listening! I loved the humor and the drama, and learning so much about Raphael. I highly recommend a listen.

Stephanie Storey brings art history to life!

This is the second of Storey’s books I’ve listened to. The narrator was superb. I know the work is historical fiction, but I so much is based on available history and writings of the time. I learned so much about Raphael, and those around him when he worked in Urbino and Rome. Many times I was laughing out loud at Raphael’s commentary. The author show how Rome and the Vatican actually were at the end of the 15th century and the dawn of the 16th century…dark, nasty, and dangerous. Thank you for your books Stephanie, and please keep them coming.

Fun

I’ve just started listening to historic fiction. It’s a lot of fun but not sure if my critical thinking will be damaged by it. It is a lot more fun than “just the facts.”

The reality it conveyed

This and Oil and Marble great story’s. Please write more soon. Big fan!!! Thank you.

Good historical novel

I had read Oil and Marble first, and had been captivated by the changing speakers and personality that was revealed. I felt this book was good but one sided.

Entertaining

A very enjoyable book to listen to. I am not into art but my son is so listened on his recommendation and enjoyed thoroughly. I learned a lot about DaVinci, michaelangelo, and Raphaele.