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.
“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
Donna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and young adult fiction. Some of her work includes Treasury of Greek Mythology, Stones in Water, Treasury of Norse Mythology, and Daughter of Venice. She has five children and eight grandchildren. She dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist. She loves to garden, bake bread, dance, and make pottery.
View titles by Donna Jo Napoli
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.
Reviews
“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
Author
Donna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and young adult fiction. Some of her work includes Treasury of Greek Mythology, Stones in Water, Treasury of Norse Mythology, and Daughter of Venice. She has five children and eight grandchildren. She dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist. She loves to garden, bake bread, dance, and make pottery.
View titles by Donna Jo Napoli
