{"product_id":"house-of-honor-the-heist-of-caravaggios-nativity-659747","title":"House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio's Nativity","description":"Two Italian sons, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they're willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything else.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHouse of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eENDORSEMENTS\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The title of Margaret Philbrick’s House of Honor hints at the dark backdrop for her suspenseful tale: the atrocities of the Italian Mafia, the corruption of the Catholic church, and the flashbacks to the lascivious lifestyle of Caravaggio. I often felt like I was watching the Netflix series, Breaking Bad, which hooked me but left me shivering in the dark. Without being a spoiler, I can tell you that you won’t be left in the cold at the glorious close (but wait for it!)” \u003cbr\u003eDee Brestin \u003cbr\u003eBest-selling author of \u003cbr\u003eThe Friendships of Women, Idol Lies, and Falling in Love with Jesus\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“In House of Honor, Philbrick uses the uniquely powerful bonds of Italian families to reveal the effects of loyalty versus disloyalty in the complicated yet beautiful world of Italy. It’s a world of Klimt and Caravaggio and bougainvillea wrapped along stone pathways; yet tucked firmly into the beautiful pages, it’s a story of the ever-present prodigal in all of us. Bravissimo!”\u003cbr\u003eKatherine James \u003cbr\u003eAward-winning author of Can You See Anything Now? \u003cbr\u003eand A Prayer for Orion: A Son’s Addiction and a Mother’s Love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“With lyrical language and vivid description, House of Honor captivated me from the first page to the last. Philbrick will transport you to the Italy of the 1960s and the Renaissance era, complete with reproductions of Caravaggio’s masterpieces. For an art history lover like me, reading it was a pure delight. It is reminiscent of The Godfather meets The Da Vinci Code, but with a redemptive twist. Masterfully crafted and beautifully written!”\u003cbr\u003eTaryn R. Hutchison \u003cbr\u003eAuthor of One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Margaret Philbrick has crafted a beautiful and intense story about the relationship of the Bordoni brothers, Orazio and Vincenzo. House of Honor feels like a Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio painting, with all the realism, violence, and sensual opulence told through the seamless chiaroscuro style, but emphasizing the shadow of the horrific acts of the Mafia and the disturbing scandalous corruption of the Vatican institution. Her use of Caravaggio’s artwork and historical documentation interweave a complementary, fraternal relationship between brothers and history. Brilliant!”\u003cbr\u003eMichael J. Skura \u003cbr\u003eArtist and father of three \u003cbr\u003ePresident of the Illinois Arts Education Association \u003cbr\u003eArts Educator of the Year, 2017\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Margaret Philbrick’s House of Honor depicts the richness of the Italian people; their innate love of art and taste; and their spiritual, religious, and cultural significance—all presented with contrast, perspective, depth, and color similar to what one experiences in the presence of a Caravaggio painting. But instead of brushes and oils, she uses words.”\u003cbr\u003eRam Rojas \u003cbr\u003eVenezuelan-born painter and muralist\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“With a fast-paced narrative and tense family drama throughout, House of Honor offers readers a compelling storyline about the heist of a renowned Caravaggio painting, complete with Mafia families, devoted priests at the Vatican, and wayward children. The author takes us on a stunning excursion through the back streets, villas, and underworld of Italy with hues as rich and colorful as a Caravaggio painting. Philbrick’s characters and their exploits will keep readers riveted from beginning to end.”  \u003cbr\u003eLinda MacKillop\u003cbr\u003eAuthor of The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon","brand":"Koorong","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51572163674399,"sku":"9781649606921","price":39.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0925\/8981\/8143\/files\/9781649606921_0.jpg?v=1769381706","url":"https:\/\/koorong.com\/products\/house-of-honor-the-heist-of-caravaggios-nativity-659747","provider":"Koorong","version":"1.0","type":"link"}