The Second Mrs. Gioconda

by E.L. Konigsburg

Book Overview

The Mona Lisa... Why did Leonardo da Vinci lavish three years on a painting of the second wife of an unimportant merchant when all the nobles of Europe were begging for a portrait by his hand?
No one knows for sure. But this story of Leonardo, his wayward apprentice Salai, and the Duke of Milan's plain young wife, Beatrice d'Este, may hold the clue to the most famous -- and puzzling -- painting of all time.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689821212
• ISBN13: 9780689821219
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

Gioconda who?

Have you ever wondered who Mona Lisa was. Or why Davinci painted her? This book gives you a look at the real story and a glimpse into Leanardo Davinci's life. You also learn about someone you have probably never heard of before. His name is Sali. He was just a little peasant boy pick pocketing on the streets when he is caught by Davinci. Sali had never seen such eyes as that of Davinci. Sali assumes that he has been caught by God but soon finds out that Davinci is just that wonderful. Davinci decides to make Sali his apprentice. As Sali grows, so does their friendship. But then Beatrice comes along. She is the sister to the most beautiful woman, and she is to be the Duke's wife. She is not very pretty just plain but inner beauty rules all. She and Sali acquire a very strong bond, and the story grows bigger. The author, e.l.koingsburg, does a wonderful job of taking you back in time. This book enchanted me, and I would give it a thousand star rating if there was such a thing. This is a book you have got to read.

Who was Mrs. Giaconda?

The Second Mrs. GIaconda is a magnificently written book by a favorite author, E.L. Konigsburg. Intially the story begins in Milan, Italy, but as it progresses the characters travel to many other locations in sixteenth century Renaissance Europe. The main character, Salai, is a young thief at the age of thirteen, with hair as curly as a pig's tail. Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, befriends Salai and makes him an apprentice. The only real talent Salai possesses is his ability to make Leonardo laugh. The pair reside in Milan with Duke Il Moro and his wife Beatrice de Este'. Beatrice possesses great inner beauty and they come to love her deeply. A compelling series of events lead up to Leonardo's painting of a mere merchant's wife, the captivating Mona Lisa. This is a wonderful book filled with a little action, some adventure, some tears and a host of big laughs. It is a wonderful read for any person over the age of ten. The Second Mrs. Giaconda is a story you may want to read again and again!

Why I Recommend This: by a teenage book lover

I picked up this book mainly because I saw that it was written by E. L. Konigsburg, a given that it would be a good read. Let's just say it was, in that sense, not disappointing (especially the beginning & middle). I didn't really know that much about Leonardo DaVincci (forgive my spelling errors) before reading this, except that to describe him as a genious would be an understatment, but by the end of the book I felt as if I knew him and understood him both as an artist and a person. And I will never look at The Mona Lisa or any other of his artwork the same again. But to tell you the truth I found the end a bit disapointing. I suppose that was really my own fault though. I had forgotten that this book was based on reality and in my amnesia imagined, or to put it better had no doubts, that there would be some miraculous surprise ending. I EXPECTED a fairy tale ending. It never even occured to me that anyone would die for real! (You see I thought that the death was fake -- a scam to fool the public. Yes, I know I have a wild imagination.) I disliked the ending because I was unprepared for it. I didn't realize I was on the last page until I was literally on the last page. You know how you can tell you're getting to the end of a book because you feel only a few pages in your right fingers? Well, that doesn't work with this book -- there are pictures of paintings by DaVincci (?) in the back of the book. I turn the last page expecting to find the next chapter but find instead that the book is done. I believe "That's it?" were my exact words. I have to say though that the end made the story even more real -- as in it would've happened in real life. The story was excellent despite my immature need for a happy ending. But I AM consistent (I felt the same after Romeo & Juliet). I think that if I had to categorize this book I would place it in the "star-crossed lovers doomed for tragedy" section rather than the "historical fiction -- Leonardo DaVincci" section. Only because the story it really about Leoonardo, eventhough you do learn a lot [of accurate stuff] about him. I believe the story is more romantic, more about true beauty, than anything else. How can I not recommend this book?

Sali was stealing money and Leonardo cuaght him.

There was a boy named Sali and He lied to people and stole from people. One day Leonardo caught him when he was getting away and Leonardo Da Vinci took him with his father's permission to take Sali to work for him and to learn not to steal or lie again.As you read this book can make you cry and Laugh. This book made me cry two time. I never cry for books but for this one I did. In this book it tells of how it was named and "The Second Mrs. Giaconda" and how life was back then. This book is good to read when you are Reaserching about Leonardo Da Vinci.

I bought it for a kid, but loved it myself!

I'm 33, and I bought this for a friend's art-minded child, but happened to glance at a couple of pages - and found myself hooked. I read every word and wanted to know more about da Vinci and the Mona Lisa when I was done. Engages the young reader in a genuine adult-world mystery - why did Leonardo paint this merchant's wife when duchesses were kept waiting? - and proposes a solution. The painter is made human through the eyes of his mischievous young apprentice.