The Smile

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 she thinks she's too plain. Then, on a visit to Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy, Giuliano de Medici. It's a dangerous time to be involved with a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.Praise for The Smile

"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 triumphat."-- Kirkus Reviews

"Napoli's textured portrait illuminates a possible life for the woman behind that famous enigmatic smile."-- The Horn Book

Donna Jo Napoli (www.donnajonapoli.com) is the author of Crazy Jack, The Magic Circle, Stones in Water, and many other books, and is the chairperson of the linguistics department at Swarthmore College.