Debut Author Phil Melanson Paints a Complex Portrait in ‘Florenzer’
Florenzer is a book that asks for your full attention—and, in many ways, earns it.
Set against the rich backdrop of Renaissance Florence, Phil Melanson’s debut novel is beautifully written, deeply researched, and intricate in its storytelling. I gave it a 3.5 out of 5, which speaks less to any lack of quality and more to how demanding this read truly is.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy before its June 10, 2025 release, and it’s clear from the first few pages that Melanson is a writer with something to say. His prose is sharp, lyrical, and completely immersive. Florence practically breathes on the page—the streets, the studios, the whispered power plays in church halls and salons. And considering the historical weight of this period, that’s no small feat. Whether it’s a moment of quiet contemplation or a tense exchange in a political chamber, the language elevates every scene.
The plot behind ‘Florenzer’
Florenzer follows the intersecting lives of three young men on the cusp of legacy: Leonardo da Vinci, still early in his artistic life; Lorenzo de’ Medici, not yet the powerful figure he would become; and Francesco Salviati, a priest navigating loyalty and ambition. Each of their stories reveals something about Florence itself—a city bursting with brilliance, but one that also demands masks, sacrifice, and secrecy, particularly when it comes to love and identity.
Melanson leans into the complexity of the time period, especially when exploring queerness in a society that both celebrates beauty and punishes those who don’t conform. The term “Florenzer” was once used as a slur for homosexual men, and reclaiming that for the novel’s title adds another layer to what this story is doing—uncovering, reclaiming, and humanizing those often erased from history’s spotlight.
That said, I agree with the early readers: this book is dense. Even though it’s not overly long in page count, it demands close reading. The cast of characters is wide, and while most are fully realized, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of all the names and allegiances, especially if you’re not familiar with the era. It’s not a quick weekend read—it’s the kind of book you sit with, underline, reread a few passages just to savor the rhythm of a sentence or the subtext of a glance.
If you're into lush historical fiction that blends literary style with political and emotional nuance, Florenzer is worth picking up. But if you're looking for something light or fast-paced, this may not be the book for you.
Still, as a debut, this is incredibly impressive. Melanson brings a scholar’s attention to detail and an artist’s voice to the page. I’m genuinely curious to see what he does next—and how this book resonates once it hits shelves.
