What we’re about
Welcome to the Metro Philadelphia Book Club. This meetup is open to anyone who wants to join in. Most of our meetups will take place at pubs around the city where we will discuss the months selection over drinks and/or dinner. Some of our previous books have been The Road, Boomsday, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Running With Scissors, The Gathering, Then We Came to an End, On The Road and many others. We were mentioned in Philadelphia Magazines "things to do" issue (July, 2009), as a top book club in the city by CBSPhilly in 2013 and the Philly Voice in 2016. Also, in 2016 it was reported that we were the seventh largest active book club in the world. But we do like our cozy pub discussions.
Hope to see you out soon!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity by Margaret Ann PhilbrickLink visible for attendees
This discussion will be led by the author, Margaret Ann Philbrick.
# House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity
4.51
43 ratings17 reviews
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.Endorsements
“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. . . . 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“House of Honor depicts the richness of the Italian people . . . 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 House of Honor hints at the dark backdrop for this suspenseful tale . . . 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. . . . This is a highly recommended, well-written must-read...”
Angela Correll
Best-selling author of May Hollow Trilogy and 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 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 A Son’s Addiction and a Mother’s Love“House of Honor is a sweeping, modern twist on an enduring narrative. . . . 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. . . .
- GenresHistorical FictionAdult
324 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2024Margaret Ann Philbrick is an award winning poet and author. Her new art heist novel, House of Honor - the Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity has been described by Midwest Book Review as an “Exquisite dance between cultures, underworld influences, and art world politics that will thoroughly immerse readers.” Her first novel, A Minor: A Novel of Love, Music, and Memory received critical praise from Kirkus as an “emotional story with nuanced characters that breaks the mold.” She is the contributing editor of Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives, a collection of essays and poetry for women by 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. Margaret is a founding member of the Redbud Writers Guild NFP and a member of the Door County Published Author Collective. You can connect with her via her website, www.margaretphilbrick.com, on Instagram @margaretannphilbrick and at www.whostolethepainting.com
