The Smile [Hardcover]

Donna Jo Napoli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2008

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?or be involved with?a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6–10—In the Florentine countryside, Monna Elisabetta struggles to become the noblewoman she's destined to be. Although her father is challenged to keep his silk business thriving during difficult economic times, Monna's mother is planning to give her an elaborate 13th birthday party in order to meet a suitable husband. But upon Mamma's sudden death, the event is canceled, and Monna turns her grief into preparing meals and working alongside her father. His friend Leonardo da Vinci has introduced her to Giuliano de' Medici, who becomes smitten with her smile. When her father remarries into nobility, Monna is forced into an arranged marriage, despite the fact that she has given her heart to Giuliano. This tribute to the woman behind Leonardo's masterpiece is another wonderfully researched and well-crafted novel from Napoli. Artfully blending fact and fiction, the author tells a tender story of a girl coming of age during a turbulent time. Readers will be moved by the plight of this three-dimensional protagonist.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL
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From Booklist

The identity of the woman the world calls Mona Lisa has ignited speculation since Leonardo da Vinci created her portrait and left it untitled, unsigned, and undated. In this richly embroidered romance set in Renaissance Florence, Napoli imagines the young life of the woman behind the famous smile. Thirteen-year-old Elisabetta, the daughter of a wealthy silk merchant, is starting to think of marriage when Leonardo da Vinci, a family friend, introduces her to young heir Giuliano de’ Medici. The teenagers share an instant attraction that deepens into friendship and, finally, love. Political turmoil that escalates into war threatens the young romance, though, and Elisabetta is caught between her passionate attachment to Giuliano and her dutiful obligations to her family. 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. Elisabetta’s strength and individuality, as she grows into marriage and motherhood, will captivate readers, as will her wonderment over love’s complexity. Grades 8-11. --Gillian Engberg

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (October 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525479996
• ISBN-13: 978-0525479994
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For all information about Donna Jo Napoli (books, events, biography, awards, contact information), please go to http://www.donnajonapoli.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely. One of my new favorites., November 24, 2008

By 

Karen Krueger (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Smile (Hardcover)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and entertaining story, plus interesting Italian history, May 25, 2009

By 

Fairy Tale - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Smile (Hardcover)

Author Donna Jo Napoli has done it again! This book is a wonderfully written story of a young girl who could conceivably have posed for Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. Although the book is fiction, it tells a realistic and believable story.

As usual, Ms. Napoli has done her research on this topic. The story includes many interesting details of Italian life, politics, and power struggles in Florence circa 1490's - early 1500's. This is more that just a simple YA book, as are all Ms. Napoli's works. This is a story of love, death, family loyalty, war, decadence, religion, politics, class struggles, etc. It is also a coming of age story, as seen through the eyes of the main character, Elisabetta - aka "Monna Lisa".

This book is thoroughly entertaining as well as emotional and moving. Anyone who likes accurate historical details woven into their love stories will enjoy this book. The characters are believable and sympathetic. Also great for fans of Leonardo da Vinci - she includes some thoughtful descriptions of him and the Renaissance art world. Written for teens, but sophisticated enough for adult fans of historical fiction as well! I highly recommend it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, November 12, 2009

By 

Catherine M. Miller "desertminky" (Palm Desert, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Smile (Hardcover)

On a recent trip to Italy we had to choose books that could be enjoyed by an 11 year old, her Mom and grandma. This book was everyone's favorite! In fact Donna Jo Napoli's books are fabulous at any age! Wonderful historical fiction, she is my favorite!