"Caravaggio is brilliant!!!! I was transported to another place and time. and learned a lot too!" --Marla Conn, Readability "Life is turbulent in this Rome of the 16th Century. The inquisition threatens any new thinking guided by the political manipulation and greed of the Catholic Church. In this fictionalized account of Caravaggio''s life this revolutionary painter stomps across the pages brilliant, tormented, and wild. His friends and lovers, his models, his patrons and his many enemies come alive. We experience his triumphs and disappointments. We taste and smell the dankness of the prison cell and view the horrors of public execution. But central to all are the paintings.

Although we never see them their power and magnificence jump off the page at us. After reading this book Caravaggio is a name we will look out for online, in paintings and ultimately we hope in a visit to Rome." --Rhian Piprell, Librarian, The International School of Yangon, Myanmar Junior Library Guild Selection A fictionalized account of the Italian painter''s tumultuous life hews to the historical timeline.The painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, better known today simply as Caravaggio, was the most famous painter in Rome when he lived there in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His distinctive painting style--unique at that time--gave his mostly religious themes a gritty, accessible feel, even as his use of common people as models (including prostitutes for the Virgin Mary) appalled many. Moss'' story contains factual historical references--all the people, places, police reports, and depositions it contains actually existed--but is told through Caravaggio''s (necessarily imagined) eyes in this first-person, present-tense narration. When Caravaggio''s first apprenticeship ends due to his temper (a temper that will ge t him into trouble on a regular basis), Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte takes him under his patronage, where Caravaggio thrives. It''s a very human story, as Caravaggio relays his creative inspirations, petty rivalries, brawls, and drinking activities and mentions his many assignations with courtesans and prostitutes.

There are no Caravaggio paintings illustrated, which would have been a plus, but they are easy enough to access on the internet.Overall, Moss tells an absorbing, informative story set in a fascinating time replete with political intrigue, bustle, and corruption. (author''s note, timeline, bibliography)" --Kirkus "Review: Anyone who is interested, fascinated by, Caravaggio will love this fictionalized biography. Caravaggio was an unlikely artist who pushed against all the boundaries in 16th century Italy. The Renaissance is in full bloom. Patrons make and break artists every day. The rules of the Church are fully observed. Caravaggio''s style, realistic portraits, true lighting, as it comes in from the window, the poor, the blood, the pain, he and his work reflected the real world.

Some saw genius and some saw heretic. Caravaggio''s personal life was messy, his bad temper, his impatience, got him into trouble all the time. Moss does a terrific job "painting" a picture of Caravaggio''s life and life''s work. Her careful research and storytelling skills make this story a gem. Summary: Highly Recommending" --Margaret Neville, King''s English Bookshop "A detailed, well-researched story.[Caravaggio''s] biography makes art history quite thrilling: he was regularly arrested for fighting, most of the women he interacts with are prostitutes, and he even killed a man. Teens already interested in art history are probably the best audience here, though interesting comparisons could be made to novels about characters fighting oppressive regimes, as well." --Booklist "I have to admit I was not familiar with [Caravaggio''s] work, but I researched his life after reading this book.

An amazing light shines through his paintings as if from above, but the anger he dealt with caused many problems throughout his life. This is a great read!" --staff review, Waucoma Bookstore.