Two Italian sons, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.
At 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.
As 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.
House 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.
The limited color edition of House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity includes beautiful full-color art from Caravaggio, produced by permission of Bridgeman Art Library. The standard edition contains no art.
What Others Say…
“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!”
Taryn R. Hutchison
Author of One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope
“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.”
Ram Rojas
Venezuelan-born painter and muralist
“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!)”
Dee Brestin
Best-selling author of The Friendships of Women, Idol Lies, and Falling in Love with Jesus
“This book has art, history, romance, and an exotic setting filled with intrigue set against the story of one of the greatest painters of all time. If you like Italy, art, and history, this is a highly recommended, well-written must-read that kept me turning the pages.”
Angela Correll
Best-selling author of May Hollow Trilogy and author of Restored in Tuscany
“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!”
Katherine James
Award-winning author of Can You See Anything Now? and A Prayer for Orion: A Son’s Addiction and a Mother’s Love
“House of Honor is a sweeping, modern twist on an enduring narrative. Set in Italy in the late 1960s, it carries the reader into the world of the Mafia, the inner workings of the Vatican, and the time-honored expectations of Italian families for their sons. Philbrick also gives the reader glimpses of the famed artist Caravaggio’s life and paintings from the 1600s to contrast and compliment the lives of her two protagonists, Orazio and his brother, Vincenzo. The depth of historical and art research in the novel is amazing; the romance and intrigue in the book will keep you turning the pages!”
Rhona Weaver
Award-winning author of A Noble Calling and A Sacred Duty
“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.”
Linda MacKillop
Author of The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon
“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!”
Michael J. Skura
Artist and father of three
President of the Illinois Arts Education Association
Arts Educator of the Year, 2017
About
Margaret Ann Philbrick is an author and contributing editor of Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives, a collection of essays and poetry for women. Her poems and articles have been featured in numerous anthologies and publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant, The Redbud Hyphen, and Patheos. Her Christmas book, Back to the Manger, created in collaboration with her mother, has become a holiday classic. A Minor: A Novel of Love, Music, and Memory is her first novel and has received critical praise from Kirkus Reviews: “An emotional story . . . clear prose . . . delicately constructed . . . nuanced characters . . . breaks the mold.” Margaret is a founding member of the Redbud Writers Guild NFP and a member of the Door County Published Author Collective.