Reviews

I, Mona Lisa by Natasha Solomons

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bec_wheels's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, it provided a wonderful insight to what would it be like if paintings were alive. Additionally, it provided a wonderful insight into the journey of the Mona Lisa and how she found herself at the Louvre.

jacki_f's review

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3.0

I’ve read a book narrated by a dog (The Art of Racing in the Rain), by Death (The Book Thief) and by a tree (The Island of Missing Trees). But I, Mona Lisa is the first book I have read that is narrated by a painting.

Mona Lisa’s story starts when she is painted in 1504. Hanging on the walls of da Vinci’s studio she observes him interacting with the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo and Machiavelli. She forms an intense emotional bond with her painter and she is able to communicate with him as well as with other great artists. When da Vinci eventually dies she becomes the property of the French King and then after the French Revolution she moves to the Louvre. There her adventures continue: she befriends Picasso, is hidden during WW2 and is stolen by a handyman. It’s an interesting and fun way to tell her story and by the end I was itching to travel to Paris and visit her myself.

backpackfullofbooks's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

hayleybriars's review

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adventurous emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

consensualbirdwatching's review

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

abi_g_mac's review

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Intriguing concept, beautifully told. Surreal in many ways and yet tender and wholly believable.

I can see why this book isn’t for everyone, however if you’re looking for a book that places atmosphere above plot then this is a great choice.