I, Mona Lisa

September 4, 2006
Set against a backdrop of political and religious conflicts in 15th-century Medici-ruled Florence, Kalogridis's bloody historical (after The Borgia Bride
) identifies the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's painting as Lisa di Antonio Gherardini. Lisa was the daughter of Madonna Lucrezia, wife of a wealthy wool merchant who also enchanted both da Vinci and Lorenzo de' Medici's brother Giuliano, murdered by conspirators in 1478. Giuliano's assassination—and the later murder of Lucrezia—presage a reign of religious terror led by a monk known as Savonarola and the retreat of the Medicis in the face of invasion from France's King Charles. An adult Lisa attracts the romantic attentions of a young Medici scion, whom she marries for love. (His father, Lorenzo, commissions her portrait from da Vinci.) But violent events soon separate the couple and a brutal Savonarola follower tells Lisa that her husband is dead—and her father's life in danger—unless she marries him instead. Lisa survives, an avenging angel, proving herself worthy of da Vinci's immortal artistry. Kalogridis's fevered bodice ripper invents a passionate woman behind La Gioconda's enigmatic smile.

October 1, 2006
Kalogridis (The Borgia Bride) revisits turbulent 15th-century Italy in her latest novel. Young Mona Lisa di Antonio Gherardini, daughter of a respected wool merchant, questions the strained relationship that exists between her sad and intelligent mother, Mona Anna, and her politically motivated father, Ser Antonio. Her mother harbors a secret love for Lorenzo de Medicis brother, Guiliano, while her father is a staunch supporter of a monk who preaches the overthrow of the Medici and urges the populace to burn pagan works of art collected by Lorenzo. The political struggles of the opposing ruling houses, the Medici and the Pazzi, have a major impact on Mona Lisas life. When Lorenzo asks Leonardo da Vinci to paint her portrait, the commission is a labor of love for the artist, who holds the key to the mystery surrounding Mona Lisas parentage. Kalogridis vividly describes the artistic and political milieus of Renaissance Florence. Fans of Sarah Dunants The Birth of Venus and Karen Essexs Leonardos Swans will enjoy her book. Highly recommended for public libraries. [Extensive library outreach planned.Ed.]"Loralyn Whitney, Edinboro Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib."

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