In our current “new normal” of COVID-19 and physical distancing, sitting on the back porch with a good book sounds pretty relaxing. It won’t take you long to realize your reading a masterpiece by Author Laura Morelli. A historical fiction account of Michelangelo’s The David.

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?

Our interview dives into the labor of love writing this book was for Laura; it was 20-years in the making! Lots of research trips to Florence and a real understanding of Renaissance Art History. 

Enjoy, and please give us your feedback in the comments section.