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Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Morris Hoffman's Boy of Heaven follows the story of an Italian orphan boy in the seventeenth century who discovers the missing piece of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. The ten-year-old boy grew up as an orphan. Facing starvation and homelessness, the boy found sanctuary in the stables of the priory. When the boy starts having visions of The Last Supper, the Prior is determined to keep it a secret. However, word gets around, and the master painter's apprentice becomes interested in knowing more about the miracle. Meanwhile, the boy discovers the connection between his vision and the twelve horses he lives with. The boy finally finds the missing piece of the wall. However, now the black soldiers are on their way, and the boy, along with his horses and a mule, must find a way to escape.
Boy of Heaven is the perfect novella for historical fiction aficionados. Author Morris Hoffman spins an engaging tale set in 17th-century Italy, masterfully capturing the ambiance of the era and the place with a narrative that makes the setting feel lived-in. Hoffman's lyrical prose can take a while to get used to, but after a few pages, you find yourself completely immersed in the plot and the setting. The orphan boy is a fascinating protagonist. His story arc is layered with tragedy and heartbreak, yet the book ends on an optimistic note, championing hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The boy's grief over loss will definitely tug at your heartstrings. Hoffman paces the narrative well, keeping the plot moving briskly while making sure the characters have agency. I enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.
