The Smile - by Donna Jo Napoli (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

A lush historical fiction young adult romance that tells the tale of Mona Lisa in prose as rich as the high Renaissance.

"The historical detail and the romantic tragedy and redemption will prompt a closer inspection of Leonardo's masterpiece."--Publishers Weekly

Hers is the most famous portrait in the world.

A young woman named Elisabetta yearns for more in life but believes that her plain appearance will forever hold her back. But fate has other plans when she visits the enchanting city of Florence. She catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci which propels her into a world of wealth and prestige. There, Elisabetta falls into a forbidden romance with Giuliano de Medici, at a time when it is highly dangerous to be involved with the powerful Medici family.

Set against the backdrop of the Renaissance and the alluring streets of Florence, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love as tragedy and chaos threaten the young couple's happiness.

Review Quotes

"Napoli skillfully draws readers into the vibrant settings, from opulent Florentine palaces to rustic hillside villas, with tangible, sensory details that enliven the novel's intriguing references to history and art."--Booklist

"The historical detail and the romantic tragedy and redemption will prompt a closer inspection of Leonardo's masterpiece."--Publishers Weekly

"Through this deeply personal story, Napoli paints a magnificent and mournful portrait of the Italian Renaissance, both tragic and triumphant."--Kirkus Reviews

"Napoli's textured portrait illuminates a possible life for the woman behind that famous enigmatic smile."--The Horn Book

About the Author

Donna Jo Napoli is the author of Crazy Jack, The Magic Circle, Stones in Water, and many other books, and is the chairperson of the linguistics department at Swarthmore College.