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beatrice_apetrei's review
5.0
“One should not become an artist because he can, but because he must. It is only for those who would be miserable without it.”
I don't even know how to start, I have many thoughts going through my mind right now so I have to try hard to write a relevant and relatively short review.
It took me a while to read this book, but not because I didn't enjoy it, but because my drawing classes left me with barely free time. It has more or less than 700 pages (it depends on the edition) and is easy to read. Bla bla, that's not important. Let's start with what's important..
First of all, I would like to start with a question. Have you ever wondered what art is ? Maybe not what it is, but how it FEELS like. Have you ?
Irving Stone managed to create (is it the right word?) a passionate and loving Michelangelo. He was in love, and couldn't think about anything else but sacrificing everything for IT and giving his all to IT. Who was he in love with ? Well, you shall find out only after reading the book, but I believe it is obvious that's not about a girl.
Michelangelo was a genuine artist. Why ? Not because he was a sculptor, nor because he was a painter, or an architect. He was brilliant in all of them. Though Irving Stone describes him as not having a passion for painting, he still had it beautifully done, out of proud.
He wasn't able to do anything ugly, even if he didn't try, he was still the best in all of them.
Secondly, I loved how he came to life through this book. I lived with him for over a month (is that cheating?), walking the streets by his side, getting angry when someone mistreated him, wanting to wipe away his tears and so on. Irving Stone's writing was easy to read, but still didn't feel like empty words to me. He got involved with all this information, shared it with me and gave me the chance to experience all sorts of feelings. It also made me a true 'fan' of Renaissance.
If I recommend it? It might sound weird, but I don't know what to say. I think you should read this book only if you love art and you want to learn it (I know people that read this book , without having a passion for any kinds of art, and they didn't like it - they found it boring and awfully written). It depends very much on who reads this book, it's not for everyone.
book_concierge's review
4.0
Audiobook read by Arthur Morey.
Stone’s epic historical novel tells the life story of Michelangelo. Stone did extensive research, living in Italy for several years, and using many of Michelangelo’s letters and documents found in various archives. He really brings the artist (and his works) to life. While most of us are familiar with his Pieta and David sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel paintings / frescoes, Michelangelo was also an accomplished poet and architect. Stone brings all these elements into the novelized biography.
Additionally, the novel includes much of the politics of the times, from the Medicis in Florence to the various Popes in Rome, it’s a fascinating history of the era.
This man was a giant among giants, whose influence on art and architecture is almost without measure. His life requires an epic story. That being said, the novel is incredibly long in order to cover all of Michelangelo’s eighty-eight years, and his life’s opus. I found his efforts to study anatomy in an era when dissection was absolutely forbidden fascinating, but grew tired of the repetitive references to his search for “peasant models” or insistence on the male nude form.
I may have noticed the repetition more because this was a second reading. I first read the novel sometime in the mid- to late-1960s; I’m fairly certain I read it before the movie, starring Charleton Heston, was released, but maybe it was shortly after that. My rating reflects my recalled reaction at that time.
I do wish there was an “illustrated” edition of the novel, to show some of his works alongside those chapters describing their creation. But I suppose that is what Google is for!
Arthur Morey does a fine job narrating the audio version. At 34 hours in length, it’s a significant commitment, but worth it (and you don’t have to carry that huge tome around).
Stone’s epic historical novel tells the life story of Michelangelo. Stone did extensive research, living in Italy for several years, and using many of Michelangelo’s letters and documents found in various archives. He really brings the artist (and his works) to life. While most of us are familiar with his Pieta and David sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel paintings / frescoes, Michelangelo was also an accomplished poet and architect. Stone brings all these elements into the novelized biography.
Additionally, the novel includes much of the politics of the times, from the Medicis in Florence to the various Popes in Rome, it’s a fascinating history of the era.
This man was a giant among giants, whose influence on art and architecture is almost without measure. His life requires an epic story. That being said, the novel is incredibly long in order to cover all of Michelangelo’s eighty-eight years, and his life’s opus. I found his efforts to study anatomy in an era when dissection was absolutely forbidden fascinating, but grew tired of the repetitive references to his search for “peasant models” or insistence on the male nude form.
I may have noticed the repetition more because this was a second reading. I first read the novel sometime in the mid- to late-1960s; I’m fairly certain I read it before the movie, starring Charleton Heston, was released, but maybe it was shortly after that. My rating reflects my recalled reaction at that time.
I do wish there was an “illustrated” edition of the novel, to show some of his works alongside those chapters describing their creation. But I suppose that is what Google is for!
Arthur Morey does a fine job narrating the audio version. At 34 hours in length, it’s a significant commitment, but worth it (and you don’t have to carry that huge tome around).
mamabee77's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Agony and the Ecstasy is perhaps the most aptly named title I've ever read. I did this one as an audiobook, and it took me a long time to listen to. Partly because I felt the need to go over certain chapters more than once. I didn't mind the repetition, as it allowed me to linger in the world of Michelangelo as he meticulously chipped away, literally, at the many masterpieces he created during his long and industrious life. In this book, Irving Stone described in intimate detail the inner world of Michelangelo, as well as the exterior works of art, sculpture, and architecture he left for the world to marvel at for centuries. He carefully examines the roots, conceptualization, planning, execution, and final result and influence of each exquisite piece. We are privy to the details of his closest relationships, both loving and tempestuous, and the impact he had on everyone he met or who even heard about him. He lived his life in complete surrender to the work that he felt he was meant to do, regardless of the cost. The book is a history lesson, as Michelangelo worked through the reigns of nine different popes, beholden to each one of them. Yet, he persisted, at times daunted, tormented, by the impossibility of the monumental tasks before him, and at other times spurred on by sheer devotion and all-consuming love of his craft. The descriptions of the act of sculpture are so tangible that I felt the need to dust off the fine white marble dust from my skin several times throughout this beautiful tribute to the Master.
mayam330's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mimig312's review
5.0
beautifully written with amazing detail. The book covers all the years of the famous artist's life and you begin to understand his process, tribulations, and successes.
hheartbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
heretherebemonsters's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
taylorthiel's review
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
afterhoursbaby's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0