OIL AND MARBLE A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo

The best historical fiction immerses listeners in another era. P.J. Ochlan's personable performance of this audiobook, which imagines the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, captures some of the emotion of the period. There is a contemporary feel to the tone, though, that keeps one from being fully transported to sixteenth- century Italy; furthermore, the novel focuses more on its characters' personal struggles than on creating complete portraits of them and their surroundings. There are times when Ochlan's accents lapse into caricature--da Vinci's especially. That said, listeners interested in the story of two brilliant artists may enjoy this accessible account of their shared history. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]