Unfortunately I found this book too long, clunky and overwritten. I also couldnt find one thing I liked about the protagonist. Dont think it was for me.

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to try this book for myself but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. I am certain that other readers will absolutely adore the writing style, it just didn’t chime with me.

James Cahill’s Tiepolo Blue is a captivating exploration of art, identity, and the complexities of human connection. With exquisite prose and a keen eye for detail, Cahill weaves a rich tapestry of characters and emotions that linger long after the final page.
The novel's protagonist, Don Lamb, is a compelling figure - a renowned art historian whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is forced to confront the limitations of his academic existence. Cahill's portrayal of Don’s internal struggle is both poignant and relatable, inviting readers to empathize with his journey of self-discovery.
As Don's world expands beyond the ivory tower, he encounters a vibrant and chaotic London art scene. Cahill brilliantly captures the energy and allure of this environment, while also delving into deeper themes of sexuality, friendship, and the blurred lines between art and life.
Tiepolo Blue is more than just a coming-of-age story; it is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of art to transform lives. Cahill's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions create a world that is both familiar and extraordinary, making this novel an unforgettable reading experience.
Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read, Tiepolo Blue is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Contrary to my fellow reviewers I did not like this book at all. I felt that the characters were unlikeable and in my opinion that is the main thing any good novel should have. I did not the writing style also.

In 1994, Don Lamb, a revered art historian and professor, leaves the University of Cambridge for a new role at a London museum and befriends Ben, a young artist. Ben draws him into the London art scene and Soho nightlife, where Don starts to realise some painful truths, and so begins a self-destructive spiral. A beautifully dark novel which deserves a wider audience.

Pure escapism at its best.
I was so captivated that once I started reading I could not put it down!
Thank you so much to the author and publishers for this wonderful read

This started well, but went downhill after the radio panel discussion and it was far too arty-farty for me, so I didn't finish it.

This is exactly the kind of book I thought I would like (and it had rave reviews from people I admire), but I didn’t warm to it. There was something a little clunky about the writing. It still had a good story and I love the whole academia noir (of the Donna Tartt school).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC to review. I really wanted to get into this book but I could not.

Honestly, I’m not sure about this book. I wanted to love it, I wanted to get lost in a story about the glamorous and sexy world of art, but it just fell short. I really didn’t like the main character because I just didn’t find him believable so it became much harder to be lost in the story. The story telling was also a little clunky for me.

Tiepolo Blue is set in the 1990s, and has as its lead character Professor Don Lamb who is an Oxbridge professor and academic. He is hopelessly naive including towards the machinations of his colleagues in the world of academia and then in the world of Fine Art in London.
It is both funny and sad, even tragic as we see his world collapse. Very elegantly written, I really enjoyed this and am very grateful to the author, the publisher and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc.

I found this book hard to read but did finish it. The main character lives in an academic setting and this is perhaps why I found it too much. It is extremely well written but too much information in it for me. If you are an art lover, it may well be for you. It took me a long time to discover the main point of the story; I won't say what it was.

There were a lot of things I loved about this - the way the writer evoked Cambridge and the academic community, the way the reader becomes obsessed with Tiepolo along with Don, and also his slow fall from grace. I found the ending a little confusing and abrupt, but otherwise I enjoyed reading this.

Despite some antipathy for the downward heading main protagonist, the slow pace frustrated me .. but in fact when I took my time I find descriptions of this world and its comparisons to art world excellently set out ... the c detail matters! Like slow cooking, it all gets richer .. recommended especially when you are feeling like there's time! Beautifully written ...

I'm sad to say this book just didn't connect with me at all. It seemed overly academic - descriptions were so long winded and convoluted, and the story dragged on for a while really going nowhere. A lot of the book was taken up with over description of places, things and people, and if those pages had been used to develop fringe characters more then it would be vastly improved. I read until the end in the hope that it would improve but it didn't and really wasn't for me. Thanks to James Cahill, Sceptre and Netgalley for the ARC.

When a modern art installation appears in a peaceful quadrangle in Don Lamb’s place of work, and residence, Cambridge University, it starts a chain of events which changes his life completely.
I found this rather unbelievable tale very hard to get into, reading it become more of a chore than a treat. Val’s machinations were obvious to me, and should’ve been obvious to Prof Lamb, no matter how naive he was. I began to feel uncomfortable by his childish behaviour and lack of understanding, a strange thing for a professor.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get into this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to review.

Couldn’t get into the book unfortunately. It didn’t grab me. Thank you for the opportunity to review.

I was sent a copy of Tiepolo Blue by James Cahill to read and review by NetGalley. This is a beautifully written novel following the life and liberation of Professor and art historian Don Lamb. The sense of place throughout the book is fantastic and the characters created are all thoroughly believable. This is an incredible, heartfelt and sometimes shocking ‘coming of age’ tale of a man in his forties, academia having been his life and the art of Tiepolo being his obsession. A very adult, thought provoking read, this novel is set to become a classic.

This debut novel is thought provoking and highly critical of the self-importance of those at the top of the arts scene, as well as being a touching and melancholy study of queerness and isolation. The narrative zips along, taking the reader into a fascinating world of dedication to art history, and the protagonist's certainty of its value and importance to society, but the reader is constantly wondering at his self-delusion. He is isolated from the real world and finds it impossible to connect meaningfully with others, having lived a rarified life in academia. When thrust into the spotlight at a London gallery, he is out of his depth and becomes increasing marginalised and starts to question his whole existence. Assured writing, (although there are plot 'holes'), makes this a really interesting read. I highly recommend it.