The Smile

by Donna Jo Napoli

Book Overview

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, loss, and, above all, love. Elisabetta longs for romance, though... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525479996
• ISBN13: 9780525479994
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

The Smile

As with all Donna Jo Napoli books I have read there is no happy ending. But with all Napoli books I have read it is one that stays with you after you finish reading it. The smile is probably one of the better Napoli books but I honestly think all of her YA books are amazing. Well reccomended.

Breathtaking

This was a wonderful story...beautifully written. Like many others have said, it SHOWS (not states) you the emotions. I smiled, laughed, cried throughout the whole story. Such a good, practical, and truthful ending. Not one of those fairytale endings. Love it. I'm holding it in my hand. And. A really easy book, but one that I would remember my whole life. The imagery Jo Napoli gives us of Florence. The raw, real feelings. Such a sad, sad story. You can really connect to the characters. Unlike MOST stories these days, the events are NOT predictable...it has twists and turns. It makes me want more and more. Plus, what I like most in books, is it gives us a really clear view on history. About the Medici family and the events occurring in Florence at the time. While I read this book, I lived there. This is a wonderful book you HAVE to read. It's a mix of everything. A story behind the smile.

Fabulous!

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!

Beautiful and entertaining story, plus interesting Italian history

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.

Lovely. One of my new favorites.

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.