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The Smile

by Donna Jo Napoli

A Renaissance portrait in the making

Regular price $13.39 USD
Regular price $22.32 USD Sale price $13.39 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A Renaissance portrait in the making

Donna Jo Napoli imagines a young woman’s life behind one of the world’s most famous portraits. Elisabetta’s visit to Florence brings her into Leonardo da Vinci’s orbit and into the wealth and danger surrounding the Medici family. Her forbidden romance with Giuliano de Medici places private longing against the upheaval of Renaissance Florence, while her belief that her appearance limits her prospects shapes her hopes for a different life. The historical setting and the portrait’s origin story are closely linked: the book uses Elisabetta’s personal fortunes to explore love, status, beauty, and the risks of proximity to power.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in Renaissance historical fiction
  • Readers curious about an imagined story connected to the Mona Lisa and Leonardo da Vinci
  • Readers who enjoy romances shaped by family power and social status

Themes

Love and forbidden romanceBeauty and self-imageWealth, status, and powerRenaissance Florence

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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.
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