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Hardcover
Published by Hastings House Pub
Publication date: October 1, 1996
Dimensions (in inches): 9.33 x 6.35 x 1.19
ISBN: 0803893817

Reviews and Commentary for Mystery of the Mona Lisa

Midwest Book Review :
Mystery of the Mona Lisa is billed as a novel here because many will read it like fiction; but some may actually believe the psychic roots of this story of Leonardo da Vinci's roots. The author's visions of Leonardo's real story provide the plot and foundation for an unusual examination of the Mona Lisa's origins.

Customer Comments
A Reader, 10/27/97, rating=10:
The research was most impressive...
All of us who are mothers can empathize with Caterina, her sorrows, her joys - It is so difficult to render the sentiments and meanings of a 'romance' language into English and the author did it so admirably. Anne Carson/Author/Biographer Washington, D.C.

A Reader, 10/26/97, rating=10:
As a skeptic in areas of parapsyschology, I was almost put off by the Forward in Rina de Firenze's work, "Mystery of the Mona Lisa". Fortunately, I read on and was amply rewarded by what proved to be a most inspiring biography of a truely remarkable woman, the mother of Leonardo da Vinci. It's additionally important as an authentic portrayal of the women's position during Italy's most glorious period in the arts. Paul Caputo, Musician and Teacher, NYC

A Reader, 06/20/97, rating=10:
Is it a duchess, a merchant's wife or his mother?
In her intriguing historical novel, Rina de' Firenze claims that the source of inspiration of one of the most famous paintings in the world, is none other than Caterina, the mother of Leonardo da Vinci. A great deal of mystery shrouds the origin of Leonardo's mother, but it is believed that she was a girl of noble blood, whose original name was "Lisa". She had an illegitimate child in 1452 by a well-to-do notary, Piero da Vinci, a child that became the greatest artist, sculptor, architect and engineer of the Renaissance. This romantic biography tells of his early passion for drawing the world around him in the Tuscan hills, his love of nature, flowers, birds and his unsatiable curiosity about mechanical objects and how they work. This unique story came as a premonition to the author, Rina de' Firenze, followed by repeated visions of Leonardo and his mother urging her to tell this story that was unknown to this world. In her own voice, Caterina speaks of the struggle to provide a warm, nuturing environment for her gifted son. She tells of the time when young Leonardo entered Verrocchio's studio in Florence, and of his secret visits to her simple abode. There, where he started drawing her face time and time again, promising her of turning it into the most famous, mysterious painting in the world. Leonardo kept the "Mona Lisa" by his side for the rest of his life. Yet, the sitter remains a mystery to this day-- an enigma. Is it a duchess, a merchant's wife or as some contend, his mother, because her mysterious smile has such a warm, maternal tenderness about it. Nancy Di Benedetto, art historian from Yale and Hunter, currently teaching at Marymount College, NYC

A Reader, 6/10/97, rating=10:
A charming recreation of the period.
I found it to be engrossing and read through it quite quickly. The book is a charming recreation of the period and the life of Mona Lisa... Richard Fabricant/attorney

A Reader, 05/29/97, rating=10:
A great tribute
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece is one history's most important and mysterious work of art Weaving a story that helps to the mysteries is a great author.Archbishop Renato G. Martino, PERMANTENT OBSERVER MISSION OF THE HOLY to the United Nations.

A Reader, 05/29/97,rating=10:
Congratulations.
Congratulations on Rina de' Firenze's important historical novel inspired on the childhood of Leonardo and his adolescence... Her writer's talent has given us an extremely engaging work of art ...... Baronessa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimo; New York University Casa ltaliana

A Reader 05/29/97, rating=10:
I predict this could easily become a film or a TV production.
Each time I sat to read a chapter of the "Mystery of the Mona Lisa" I became complety captivated by the story. It was as though I was there,-seeing, smelling, absorbing every fiber and fragrance of the period. The author's research must have been exhausting. The book is well placed. Each chapter flowed along smoothly and enticed me to continue- and feel the ache of a mother as her son was taken from her. It is a bittersweet tale-very human. I Peifly- Farensbach, Poet/Artist, NJ

A Reader, 05/10/97, rating=10:
There should be a sequel.
"Mystery of the Mona Lisa" is absolutely marvelous! I kept delaying reading it because I truly did not want it to end. There should be a sequel. Prof. Carmela Di Meo, N.J.

A Reader, 05/10/97, rating=10:
A magical special place.
The book "Mystery of the Mona Lisa", was so magical that I shall miss the special place I lived with Caterina while I read each and every word. Edie Lynch, Film Maker /Artist, N.Y.C.

A Reader, 05/10/97, rating=10:
Should fascinate readers interested in the subject.
I read the "Mystery of the Mona Lisa", and found the dialogues between Caterina and Leonardo, the child genius, convincing. The description of Caterina leaving this planet, is pure metaphysics and should fascinate readers interested in the subject. T. Tantalo, N.Y.C.