Discussion of The Colour of Heaven by James Runcie
I have slightly mixed feelings about this book. I think it makes a very enjoyable read without ever truly convincing me of its 13th century setting. It has some good characterisation, except I didn’t feel Aisha was particularly well drawn. It has some very tender moments such as the illness and death of Jacopo but I felt the love affair was described in quite corny and clichéd ways.
Parts were very interesting- I found the effort that went into securing lapiz and ultramarine quite astonishing - I will lavish more love on it next time I pick up a paintbrush. So overall I was entertained, sometimes moved, and learned quite a lot - can’t be bad!