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The Smile
Hers is the most famous portrait in the world. Here, in prose as rich as the high Renaissance, is Mona Lisa's tale: a story of passion, intrigue, loss, and, most of all, love.
Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de' Medici. It is a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.
Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de' Medici. It is a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2008
31 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jo Napoli
141 books1,112 followersDonna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and YA fiction. She loves to garden and bake bread, and even dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
November 24, 2008
This story is absolutely amazing. After starting and tossing aside so many dud YA novels lately, I was so excited when this story instantly drew me in--not because the story was instantly exciting, but because Elizabetta (Mona Lisa) is a compelling character. I was able to connect emotionally to the story, and I felt every joy and heartache that Elizabetta felt. It was also quite refreshing to read a story that doesn't nauseate me with the "he's so cute" romance (which I think I've had my fill of lately). The romance in this story is tender and draws me in to the emotions.
The story is true to life, and for those who like "Disney endings" this book may not be as enjoyable. But I think it was a lovely story.
The story is true to life, and for those who like "Disney endings" this book may not be as enjoyable. But I think it was a lovely story.
February 9, 2020
Elisabetta is naive. Elisabetta is selfish. Elisabetta is a hopeless romantic. Elisabetta is loving. Elisabetta is strong. Elisabetta is a complicated and well written character.
I think that's why I connected so much to this book when I was in middle school. Along with Song of the Sparrow, I would reread this book quite a few times throughout my formative years. I was enthralled by the Italian setting, art, romance, and historical fiction.
I do wish this book held up better upon a reread, but it still holds a special place in my heart even if it isn't my type of book anymore.
I think that's why I connected so much to this book when I was in middle school. Along with Song of the Sparrow, I would reread this book quite a few times throughout my formative years. I was enthralled by the Italian setting, art, romance, and historical fiction.
I do wish this book held up better upon a reread, but it still holds a special place in my heart even if it isn't my type of book anymore.
December 1, 2018
I wanted this to be better than it was. But the narrator really made it difficult to like. She would say names with an Italian accent and say some Italian words, but otherwise it was a straight American accent. They really should have found someone with an Italian accent. It would've made the experience so much better.
The story itself was cute but nothing special. Not sure how much is based on fact or if it was all made up. It was a simple, short story about how the Mona Lisa painting came to be. Not as magical as her retellings.
The story itself was cute but nothing special. Not sure how much is based on fact or if it was all made up. It was a simple, short story about how the Mona Lisa painting came to be. Not as magical as her retellings.
November 23, 2021
It is a boring and uninspiring book, all I can say is to not waste your time reading this book. The main character is unlikeable, the love interest is unlikeable, the friends are unlikeable... the only thing I didn't dislike was the father when he scolded Elisabetta and when Elisabetta didn't get what she wanted.
June 11, 2018
The last book that I had read by Donna Jo Napoli was a fairytale variation of Beauty & the Beast that I had enjoyed. So when I found this particular book in my own I decide to give it a test while was surprised to find that it was widely different from "Beast".
Unlike the other book this was provided to the reader by a female protagonist while taking place during Renaissance Italy. The magic isn't in the pages of the story but instead it brings the reader into the madness that is part of the human drama, the restrictions of the most artistical freed times and what it means to bypass the events that surround you. The reader thus is brought into the power of the human psyche.
Although I cannot verify the authenticity of the tale's details the details were rich enough to convey the reader into this beautiful yet crazy world. The struggle of being a woman bound by culture, the madness of listening to moral decay and watching your world slowly fall to pieces even when you struggled to hold onto even the smallest pieces will remind readers that our times aren't as different. That we and our ancestors still have so much in common.
The writing itself was partially formal but still quite simple that it made for a quick read. The protagonist's voice clearly stands out from the other characters and there is just a bit of Italian used to place the story.
As for any of those who may be interested in more information of the piece "Mona Lisa" the piece isn't really even mentioned until the end. Even so with that it is still just a passing few pages.
All in all it was a good piece of historical fiction for those who may be interested in this genre with other books like "A Girl Called Birdy". Otherwise others may not enjoy the subject if they are looking for a much deeper read.
Unlike the other book this was provided to the reader by a female protagonist while taking place during Renaissance Italy. The magic isn't in the pages of the story but instead it brings the reader into the madness that is part of the human drama, the restrictions of the most artistical freed times and what it means to bypass the events that surround you. The reader thus is brought into the power of the human psyche.
Although I cannot verify the authenticity of the tale's details the details were rich enough to convey the reader into this beautiful yet crazy world. The struggle of being a woman bound by culture, the madness of listening to moral decay and watching your world slowly fall to pieces even when you struggled to hold onto even the smallest pieces will remind readers that our times aren't as different. That we and our ancestors still have so much in common.
The writing itself was partially formal but still quite simple that it made for a quick read. The protagonist's voice clearly stands out from the other characters and there is just a bit of Italian used to place the story.
As for any of those who may be interested in more information of the piece "Mona Lisa" the piece isn't really even mentioned until the end. Even so with that it is still just a passing few pages.
All in all it was a good piece of historical fiction for those who may be interested in this genre with other books like "A Girl Called Birdy". Otherwise others may not enjoy the subject if they are looking for a much deeper read.
July 5, 2009
So interesting. It's the story of Monna Elisabetta, a 13-year-old who lives outside of Florence with her noble-born parents. They regularly visit Florence because her father has a city-home there and also because they have relatives in Florence and her father has business concerns there. Elisabetta's family is friends with Leonardo da Vinci. The book is filled with the sites and sounds of Renaissance Italy. By the time she's 15, Elisabetta has fallen in love with Giuliano de Medici, the youngest de Medici son. The politics of Florence unroll before their eyes---the excesses of wild Piero de Medici, the current ruler of Florence----the worries about dealing with the French and with the other Italian city-states---the rantings of Savanarola, the powerful monk who decries the extravagent life-style of Florentine nobility. It's about the story of how Leonardo da Vinci paints Elisabetta when she is in her late 20s. For readers who like historical fiction, who are familiar with art history, this book is wonderful.
Side note---the parts about silk-making and silk worms was just fascinating. :-)
Side note---the parts about silk-making and silk worms was just fascinating. :-)
May 25, 2010
Wow! I'm behind in my books. I loved the historical details of the deMedici family, Da Vinci, and life in Florence, including the Mad Monk! Napoli gives us such an authentic flavor of the times and place. Her doomed love story is hard for my girls to accept...they want a happy ending, not a typical ending to a love story...
I appreciated Napoli's attention to detail, as always. And her story about why Mona Lisa has so little to smile about!
I appreciated Napoli's attention to detail, as always. And her story about why Mona Lisa has so little to smile about!
October 11, 2019
Florence, Italy, c1500
Written from the POV of a rural girl (ages 11 to 25 or so) whose family is on the edge of nobility, Napoli introduces the politics, life, and tensions of the times.
The Medicis, DaVinci, Savonarola, ... they provide the historical background and the personages who directly or indirectly affect young Elisabetta's life. I can't think of other titles that introduce this subject for young readers. And, I hasten to add that any adult who doesn't mind a youthful protagonist will also enjoy the story.
The first several chapters had me thinking that this would merit 3-stars, but by the end it moved up to a solid 4. The problem with the beginning may have been mine and not the author's. I read late to distract my thoughts from an overload of work.
Written from the POV of a rural girl (ages 11 to 25 or so) whose family is on the edge of nobility, Napoli introduces the politics, life, and tensions of the times.
The Medicis, DaVinci, Savonarola, ... they provide the historical background and the personages who directly or indirectly affect young Elisabetta's life. I can't think of other titles that introduce this subject for young readers. And, I hasten to add that any adult who doesn't mind a youthful protagonist will also enjoy the story.
The first several chapters had me thinking that this would merit 3-stars, but by the end it moved up to a solid 4. The problem with the beginning may have been mine and not the author's. I read late to distract my thoughts from an overload of work.
March 26, 2020
Predictable, but about a place and time period I love!
August 24, 2011
I stole this one for the Bout of Books off my daughter’s shelf. She really is an avid reader, but if a book doesn’t get her attention by the end of the first chapter, the author has lost all hope of getting her to read any further. I am a much more patient reader. Not that this book required that, but I can see how many teens reading it would probably become disinterested for the same reason that the book captivated me.
The Smile is a work of historical fiction and the premise is wonderful. Who hasn’t looked at Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and wondered what wonderful story is behind the mysterious painting? The tale that Napoli weaves is more than you could imagine. Elisabetta lives a sheltered life, but not pampered. She has spunk, she has wit, she is smart and she is strong. She also lives in a time when all of that means nothing if you are born a woman.
The tragic love story gives you a perspective on this time period that draws you in and makes you feel compassion, not only for Elisabetta, but for all the characters who are a victim of time and circumstance. The Smile is a book that I am glad that I took the time to read. Historical fiction isn’t my normal genre, but it’s fun to go places that you don’t normally travel, especially with books.
The Smile is a work of historical fiction and the premise is wonderful. Who hasn’t looked at Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and wondered what wonderful story is behind the mysterious painting? The tale that Napoli weaves is more than you could imagine. Elisabetta lives a sheltered life, but not pampered. She has spunk, she has wit, she is smart and she is strong. She also lives in a time when all of that means nothing if you are born a woman.
The tragic love story gives you a perspective on this time period that draws you in and makes you feel compassion, not only for Elisabetta, but for all the characters who are a victim of time and circumstance. The Smile is a book that I am glad that I took the time to read. Historical fiction isn’t my normal genre, but it’s fun to go places that you don’t normally travel, especially with books.
August 28, 2018
I loved this book! This was one of my first historical fictions and it was also one of the first book I read where the love story didn't happen the way I thought it would (or should). I cried and cried when I finished and it opened up a whole new world of books to me.
Update: Reading this as an adult (and wife and mother) was a totally different experience for me. I had a very different perspective of the love story and the way her life turned out. I still felt the book was very well done and really loved reading it. I also loved that the book could grow with me at I matured.
Update: Reading this as an adult (and wife and mother) was a totally different experience for me. I had a very different perspective of the love story and the way her life turned out. I still felt the book was very well done and really loved reading it. I also loved that the book could grow with me at I matured.
February 10, 2009
This book made me want to learn about Leonardo da Vinci's Italy! I really liked the main character's personality, her love story, and what she learned about politics and about life. I thought the way she dealt with her problems was very believable, and also admirable, even in part 3. Very quality book, and fun to read!
March 28, 2010
Like all of her books, this was slightly painful to read at times, but in a good way. I was slightly disappointed by the ending, but I suspect that I was meant to be disappointed by it. This book also contains the best description of a long-distance relationship that I have ever read. (Oh, and the author is subbing for my Intro Ling class on Tuesday! ::squee::)
October 24, 2010
An entertaining, fictional, tale of the woman behind the "Mona Lisa". There were times when the language and actions of the characters seemed a little too modern for 1400 Florence, which is the main reason I am giving it 3 stars instead of 4. I will say, reading the author's bio, I am impressed with her accomplishments! I look forward to reading something else she has written.
December 31, 2008
Historical fiction... the story of Mona Lisa and the city of Florence. Really made Mona Lisa come to life.
August 18, 2020
Today I headed to my local B&N to purchase a new copy of The Smile because my original is falling apart. “Donna Jo Napoli? Never heard of her.” the clerk said when I showed up at the help desk after a fruitless search through the different fiction sections. They didn’t have a single one of her books. Not one. And so I am here, writing a review when I don’t usually write reviews, because more people need to know about these books!!!
The Smile tells the story of Elisabetta, a merchant’s daughter growing up in rural Florence as she navigates family, romance, and Renaissance life. If this description sounds simple it’s because it’s a simple story. And for anyone who complains about that, please keep in mind that it’s technically a YOUTH book!!! Even with its simplicity, Donna Jo Napoli weaves her magic in the same way that she does with her other books. The descriptions are beautiful, the dialogue is interesting, and the relationships and-particularly the ending-will leave your heart aching. While historically rich in detail, you don’t actually need any kind of background on the renaissance to understand it.
I received The Smile for Christmas 2009 when I was nine years old. It was wrapped in a Border’s box-ah nostalgia-and nestled in between the first two Twilight Books, so obviously I didn’t get to it for a couple of weeks. But when I did, it became my absolute favorite. I read it over and over throughout middle school. In high school I didn’t pick it up again, figuring I’d probably outgrown it, but watching Netflix’s Medici:Masters of Florence inspired me to give it another go and I found that it had most definitely stood the test of time and that it grows and matures in the same way that you do. Four years down the road and I can honestly say that The Smile is not only my favorite Renaissance historical fiction, but my absolute favorite book in the world.
PS: if you like this you will probably also like the works of Sarah Dunant!
The Smile tells the story of Elisabetta, a merchant’s daughter growing up in rural Florence as she navigates family, romance, and Renaissance life. If this description sounds simple it’s because it’s a simple story. And for anyone who complains about that, please keep in mind that it’s technically a YOUTH book!!! Even with its simplicity, Donna Jo Napoli weaves her magic in the same way that she does with her other books. The descriptions are beautiful, the dialogue is interesting, and the relationships and-particularly the ending-will leave your heart aching. While historically rich in detail, you don’t actually need any kind of background on the renaissance to understand it.
I received The Smile for Christmas 2009 when I was nine years old. It was wrapped in a Border’s box-ah nostalgia-and nestled in between the first two Twilight Books, so obviously I didn’t get to it for a couple of weeks. But when I did, it became my absolute favorite. I read it over and over throughout middle school. In high school I didn’t pick it up again, figuring I’d probably outgrown it, but watching Netflix’s Medici:Masters of Florence inspired me to give it another go and I found that it had most definitely stood the test of time and that it grows and matures in the same way that you do. Four years down the road and I can honestly say that The Smile is not only my favorite Renaissance historical fiction, but my absolute favorite book in the world.
PS: if you like this you will probably also like the works of Sarah Dunant!
May 12, 2024
I adored this book when I was younger. It was on my shelf of favorites for years. I remember being spellbound by it, finding it complex and rich in history. I wanted to reread it to see if I still had the same reaction to it.
Overall, I can say that I am not as impressed by it as when I was younger. I believe that is because I have read better books since then. Still, though, I find the historical context to be rich and well-researched. This is a book with heavy emotions and a depth of feeling that is hard to match in other stories. You feel for Elisabetta in her hardships and now that I am older, I see things in the story I didn't before and wish I had seen then. I still love Leonardo's character just as I did. And I was amazed at how many scenes I could vividly remember, that had stuck with me all these years. It's a narratively powerful book.
I also find remarkable the character of Elisabetta and her ability to change over time. Rarely do you find characters that have this ability well-executed, but in this case you do. Her feelings towards others change, sometimes quite the 180, and it makes sense. It happens over time. It feels right. That is the sign of really good writing.
Overall, I can say that I am not as impressed by it as when I was younger. I believe that is because I have read better books since then. Still, though, I find the historical context to be rich and well-researched. This is a book with heavy emotions and a depth of feeling that is hard to match in other stories. You feel for Elisabetta in her hardships and now that I am older, I see things in the story I didn't before and wish I had seen then. I still love Leonardo's character just as I did. And I was amazed at how many scenes I could vividly remember, that had stuck with me all these years. It's a narratively powerful book.
I also find remarkable the character of Elisabetta and her ability to change over time. Rarely do you find characters that have this ability well-executed, but in this case you do. Her feelings towards others change, sometimes quite the 180, and it makes sense. It happens over time. It feels right. That is the sign of really good writing.
September 29, 2019
Napoli creates Monna Lisa, the lady in the famous painting. She is the daughter of a silk merchant, who lives in the republic of Florence, a member of the country nobility. Her family knows Leonardo da Vinci and he becomes a valued friend to Elisabetta over the years. Her first love is a Medici, son of the great Lorenzo, brother to Piero, their father's heir, and Cardinal Giovanni. Florence is at its peak as a cultural center during this time, until the French king comes knocking at the door, and a fanatical monk named Savoranolla takes advantage of people's unrest to seize control of Florence for himself. I checked out some of the details of the story, to widen my own knowledge, and found that the story seems well-researched. It did broaden my knowledge of Renaissance Italy. As a woman, I no longer wish I had lived during that time. Women had no rights and no voice at all. How frustrating that would have been! I read this one cover to cover in a day. It is a young adult novel, but I think its appeal would be at the upper end of that.
May 29, 2024
old post reposted
This one I read even longer ago...that wasn't great grammar, but go with it.
A friend bought this book for me in middle school. I kept it all these years because it was just that great.
Donna Jo Napoli's novel "The Smile" gives us a creative retelling of just one theory of who is behind the famous Mona Lisa smile. This books takes you to Florence, transports you to that old world love, that romantic period where anything seems possible.
["Hers is the most famous portrait in the world. Here, in prose as rich as the high Renaissance, is Mona Lisa's tale: a story of passion, intrigue, loss, and, most of all, love.
Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de' Medici. It is a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love. "]
#thesmile #donnajonapoli #monalisa #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
This one I read even longer ago...that wasn't great grammar, but go with it.
A friend bought this book for me in middle school. I kept it all these years because it was just that great.
Donna Jo Napoli's novel "The Smile" gives us a creative retelling of just one theory of who is behind the famous Mona Lisa smile. This books takes you to Florence, transports you to that old world love, that romantic period where anything seems possible.
["Hers is the most famous portrait in the world. Here, in prose as rich as the high Renaissance, is Mona Lisa's tale: a story of passion, intrigue, loss, and, most of all, love.
Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de' Medici. It is a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love. "]
#thesmile #donnajonapoli #monalisa #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 24, 2017
I picked this up in the Ufizzi in Florence, surely the most felicitous place to find this novel. I have admired many of Napoli's books, but this is one of my favourites. Napoli's evocation of 15th century Tuscany -- its excess, its art, its landscape, its beauty -- is wonderful. Her lush style suits her subjects, and it also gives the reader a vivid history of a tumultuous time in the history of Florence. Elisabetta is only 13 when the story begins, soon to be married off to secure her family's noble future. But tragedy strikes her protected world, and as always Napoli is an excellent writer of sadness and grief as well as beauty. This novel truly captures the bittersweet quality of life, of loss and wasted potential, and it's a compelling and moving story.
September 26, 2023
Excellent Read. As historically accurate as it is, it was highly engaging. The novel gives the truth behind the muse, the one, the only, Mona Lisa. The protagonist, whose real name is Elisabetta, is an intelligent young lady who goes through many obstacles throughout her life which include her mother dying, her father remarrying, and the one true love of her life, Giuliano de' Medici, being exiled from Florence, Italy. Overall, the story is a romance novel that keeps you engaged throughout and unlike the majority of romance stories, it does not end with a happy ending. I recommend it to a mature audience that enjoys romance/ history books. 10/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Well written historical fiction about the subject of the famous Mon(n)a Lisa. Filled with historically accurate details about Venice, the novel dives into the life of a lower Noble girl who grows to become a middle Noble woman. It is a love story that delves into the difficulties of love, sadness, remorse, and finally, a sense of content. But it asks a question people may not be able to answer- what is true happiness?
Wonderful use of language, but the story seems to follow a typical.arch of tragedy and heartbreak with a frail sense of redemption.
Wonderful use of language, but the story seems to follow a typical.arch of tragedy and heartbreak with a frail sense of redemption.
June 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the author’s writing style and really connected to the main character, Elisabetta. I was on the road to giving it a rare five stars...until I reached part 3. Part 3 of the book basically renders Lisa’s entire relationship with Giuliano pointless, and the ending was so unsatisfactory that I just stared at the book afterwards for like 5 minutes. It’s worth the read, though.
August 1, 2018
I believe that this book is very informative about it's era and describes very nicely women's feelings and behavior. With this book i travel through time and visit Florence's in her best time when there were excellent artists like michelangelo. Furthermore, i was very thrilled to know more about mona lisa and understand her story. Now, after i finished this book i am very curious about Giuliano de' medici and i want to know more about his history.
July 28, 2019
Very good story, but not historically accurate.
The author didn't look into the time period, the speech is more modern with a slight twist, 1800s speech with modern, that is not how they spoke.
The manner of the people, how they carried themselves and attitude is wrong.
The story is wonderful and creative, but the author clearly did not do any research into the time period, which takes my rating of the book down.
A very good plot, just not accurate.
The author didn't look into the time period, the speech is more modern with a slight twist, 1800s speech with modern, that is not how they spoke.
The manner of the people, how they carried themselves and attitude is wrong.
The story is wonderful and creative, but the author clearly did not do any research into the time period, which takes my rating of the book down.
A very good plot, just not accurate.
December 31, 2024
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. For a young adult novel, I was surprised that it touched on some adult topics. The main character was so well-written, and the story has a good plot and satisfying ending. It was fun to read a historical fiction book set in Renaissance Italy instead of WWII (I do enjoy a WWII novel, but we can all agree that the market is saturated with them). Again, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. Would recommend!
November 8, 2019
I love Donna Jo Napoli's writing style. She makes the characters come alive. I purchased the book at a Scholastic warehouse sale so I know it's meant to be a young adult novel. I loved it. There was enough history to make me want to know more and enough story to keep me engaged. I'd definately read more by this author!
January 15, 2019
Based on the description, I thought I was reading an art history book, focused on the relationship with DaVinci and Monna Elizabetta. Instead it was VERY simply written and was really a romance story. DaVinci plays a minor role in this book.
January 23, 2019
I absolutely loved every part of this book. It left me crying and outwardly reacting to my book in the middle of English class. To anyone who likes historical fiction, the renaissance, Italian history, and romance... read this book!
January 3, 2021
Historical fiction. When I read this genre I am always fascinated about what I don't know!
I recently read a book about da Vinci painting The Last Supper in Milan. Items in that story overlap events in this book, which was kinda fun to notice and put together.
I recently read a book about da Vinci painting The Last Supper in Milan. Items in that story overlap events in this book, which was kinda fun to notice and put together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews