The Smile
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- £5.49
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
One of the great mysteries, the secret of Mona Lisa's smile, is captivatingly addressed in this fictional history of the woman who posed for Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. Readers will immediately warm up to Elisabetta, who is down-to-earth and hardworking despite being a member of the nobility. First met when she is just shy of 13, she is shepherded through Florence by her family friend Leonardo, who recognizes her potential: "Mysteries promise in those limpid eyes," he tells her, "as though you're watching and waiting. As though nothing will really surprise you. It's unsettling." Yearning for Giuliano de' Medici, youngest son of the most powerful and influential Florentine family, she reluctantly agrees to marry another man when political upheaval tears her and Giuliano apart; years later, fleetingly reunited, Giuliano commissions Leonardo to paint her portrait. Napoli (Stones in Water) conjures the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence as Elisabetta, a country girl, is introduced to art, culture and conspicuous wealth during her trips to town. The historical detail and the romantic tragedy and redemption will prompt a closer inspection of Leonardo's masterpiece. Ages 12 up.
