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104th out of 305 books
—
485 voters
The Second Mrs. Gioconda
THE GREATEST ARTIST OF HIS TIME AN APPRENTICE WITH A LARCENOUS HEART AND AN AVERSION TO THE TRUTH
A YOUNG DUTCHESS WHOSE PLAIN FACE BELIES HER BEAUTIFUL SOUL
Could the complex ways these three lives intertwine hold the key to a historical riddle as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa's smile -- why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimporta...more
A YOUNG DUTCHESS WHOSE PLAIN FACE BELIES HER BEAUTIFUL SOUL
Could the complex ways these three lives intertwine hold the key to a historical riddle as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa's smile -- why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimporta...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
May 17th 2005
by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
(first published January 1st 1975)
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You know, it's tough when you're teaching a sixth grade IMG class and you read something that makes you start to tear up and you have to pretend you're not crying. :) I loved this book. I love Konigsburg in general, but this i think is one the best and littliest known works by this great author. This tale is a wonderful story with woven strands of history about Da Vinci braided into a fictional but fascinating possible account of who the Mona Lisa really is. Highly recommend it!
I'm not finished this reading, but I've read it before. I know I enjoyed it, but I must say, I've already been distracted by some of the ill-chosen contemporary words that are jarring and out of place in historical fiction. I don't want to hear anyone using the word "guys" in Renaissance Italy...
I typically really like Konigsburg's works, but this one threw me off. It is about a 14-year-old boy who becomes an apprentice for Leonardo da Vinci. Promising plot, right? Think again. I don't know exactly where it went wrong, but here are some thoughts: I just couldn't identify with the main character. He was impersonal and annoying. Also, the storyline was kind of strange. I thought that all of the scattered parts would be building up to some culmination at the end, but it was really kind of...more
This book is written by that magician E.L. Konigsburg who it seems can do no wrong. Score another point for Konigsburg with this book.
It's about a young boy named Salai who comes to be an apprentice in DaVinci's studio, not because he's particularly talented but because he's frank and unpretentious and DaVinci really likes him. The book describes DaVinci's studio and social circles in detail, particularly that of the Duke of Milan who has just wed Beatrice, his second choice for a wife (her s...more
It's about a young boy named Salai who comes to be an apprentice in DaVinci's studio, not because he's particularly talented but because he's frank and unpretentious and DaVinci really likes him. The book describes DaVinci's studio and social circles in detail, particularly that of the Duke of Milan who has just wed Beatrice, his second choice for a wife (her s...more
I wanted to like this children's book more than I did because Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler was one of my absolute favorites when I was a kid, one I reread multiple times, and one I've given as a gift multiple times.
My main issue with this book, though it has a great premise, is that's there not enough characterization or even plot. It also needs more atmosphere and 'place,' and less straight 'telling." In From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler , I...more
My main issue with this book, though it has a great premise, is that's there not enough characterization or even plot. It also needs more atmosphere and 'place,' and less straight 'telling." In From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler , I...more
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A really enjoyable read by E.L. Konigsburg, that tells the story of the great Leonardo Da Vinci from the perspective of his street urchin apprentice, Salai. The common, uninformed background of Salai mimics that of the intended audience of the book, making the genius of Da Vinci accessible to a younger audience. Konigsburg supplements her narrative with a collection of black and white copies of the famous works of art, i.e. The Last Supper,as well as pictures and sculpture of the various persona...more
I’ve been a fan of the author E.L. Konigsburg since fifth grade when I read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Konigsburg is cool because she won the Newbery award back in 1968 (for the book I mentioned above) and then again in 1997 – almost thirty years later! Her 1997 Newbery was for the book The View from Saturday.
The book of hers that I am currently reading, The Second Mrs. Gioconda, is a work of historical fiction. It is about Leonardo da Vinci and his painting of the Mo...more
The book of hers that I am currently reading, The Second Mrs. Gioconda, is a work of historical fiction. It is about Leonardo da Vinci and his painting of the Mo...more
I could not resist buying this. I have loved E.L. Konisberg’s books since I was young, and owned and frequently re-read copies of most of them. This one, however, I had only ever borrowed from the library, so when I saw a discounted copy (paperback, alas!), I grabbed it.
It is a piece of historical fiction, telling the story of Salai, who was Leonardo Da Vinci’s rascally apprentice, and of their relationship with the Duke of Milan’s plain wife, Beatrice. It is the story of friendship, and of wisd...more
It is a piece of historical fiction, telling the story of Salai, who was Leonardo Da Vinci’s rascally apprentice, and of their relationship with the Duke of Milan’s plain wife, Beatrice. It is the story of friendship, and of wisd...more
This book is set in the late 1400's and tells a new tale of how and why the famous Leonardo da Vinci came to paint the famous Mona Lisa. Although the setting and historical facts may be factual and real, the characters are simply that-characters! The story mainly follows Leonardo and his snappy and witty apprentice Salai around Europe and tells of their relationship with one another and how they see people differently than the rest of the world.
This book shows how beauty isn't what is presented...more
This book shows how beauty isn't what is presented...more
This book was not the best book I've ever read. I like the story and history, but I don't think that the story answers the question as much as Konigsburg would have like to from a factual perspective. I think that Salai probrably wasn't a real person. So the fact that he became an increasingly important character gave the book more fiction than you would originally think. Now, the story is fantstic, it was absolutly flawless. But when you really think about the history, it makes you think that y...more
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was quick and fun. It is a look a da Vinci through his irresponsible apprentice. Salai as a character was fun to read about and he kept the story moving. I loved that he was used to balance da Vinci's genius and keep readers smiling. The story never got boring.
E.L. Konigsburg did a fantastic job of creating an image of the famous artist that left the reader feeling like they know him better but are still in awe of his brilliance. Through Salai, we know da...more
E.L. Konigsburg did a fantastic job of creating an image of the famous artist that left the reader feeling like they know him better but are still in awe of his brilliance. Through Salai, we know da...more
I was very disappointed by this one. I had high hopes considering it was E.L. Konigsburg. It was disjointed; the editing was awful (proofreading for the Kindle must be nonexistent); and the ending was abrupt.
Story is about Salai who becomes an apprentice for Leonardo DaVinci. The boy is a liar and a thief. He seems to be more trouble than he is worth, but supposedly he makes DaVinci better (but I never see it, except that he can make DaVinci laugh) Also, supposedly gives explanation as to why Da...more
Story is about Salai who becomes an apprentice for Leonardo DaVinci. The boy is a liar and a thief. He seems to be more trouble than he is worth, but supposedly he makes DaVinci better (but I never see it, except that he can make DaVinci laugh) Also, supposedly gives explanation as to why Da...more
It's a short book, a little fact and a lot of fiction. It tells a part of Leonardo Di Vinci's life through the eyes of his servant.
The servant is a delightfully funny character who, through his irreverence, mischievousness, and zest for life, provide Di Vinci with the motivation he needs to create incredible art instead of just creating stuff because he is so stressed about being perfect.
Some factual relationships and art and invention pieces are in there, a fair amount of imagined conversations...more
The servant is a delightfully funny character who, through his irreverence, mischievousness, and zest for life, provide Di Vinci with the motivation he needs to create incredible art instead of just creating stuff because he is so stressed about being perfect.
Some factual relationships and art and invention pieces are in there, a fair amount of imagined conversations...more
Nov 24, 2008
Svitlana
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Svitlana by:
Friend
An AMAZING insight, full of alternatives to what Da Vinci's world was like... This novel describes his main inspirations, including the world famous painting of Mona Lisa. This work of fiction contributed a lot to my imagination and beliefs. The painting after so many long years still remains a mystery. It was great to read about thougths of others, who put their detailed opinions about this master piece. I wander how and most importantly why do certain people get inspired so greatly, that their...more
An interesting idea - how did DaVinci come to paint the Mona Lisa - but there wasn't much here to grab onto. We meet Leonardo with his benefactors in Milan. He is pulled in all kinds of directions, and winds up taking on an apprentice, Salai. It is Salai who narrates this tale and we watch Leonardo deal with other artists and demading royalty. Amid all this, where is the "second Mrs. Gioconda"? Well, we don't meet her until the very LAST page..!
Seems like the author ran out of ideas and just ta...more
Seems like the author ran out of ideas and just ta...more
There is something endlessly fascinating about the Mona Lisa, and Leonardo da Vinci too. Such genius! Such wisdom! And yet, did he have any real relationships?
I loved Konigsburg's attempt to understand and explain the man behind the genius. She has a keen perception of human nature and interpersonal relationships, and I delight in every insight she chooses to share. I found this story interesting and entertaining, and, quite possibly, representative of da Vinci himself. I'd like to think so, an...more
I loved Konigsburg's attempt to understand and explain the man behind the genius. She has a keen perception of human nature and interpersonal relationships, and I delight in every insight she chooses to share. I found this story interesting and entertaining, and, quite possibly, representative of da Vinci himself. I'd like to think so, an...more
This is a quick, easy read. I enjoy E.L. Konigsburg's writing as a general rule because it flows so well. I liked the story in this book because it deals with Leonardo da Vinci. Most is conjecture, not necessarily historical fact, but it is based on real events, real people, and real artwork. I thought there were several treatises on human character and many things to learn, especially from Beatrice. This is the second time I have read the book and it was worth reading this second time and I wou...more
A book about Leonardo's assistant (NOT a book about the Mona Lisa, anyone who wrote that didn't actually read the book), could be used in an art class. This book suffers the same fate as movies with a misleading trailer. Folks go to the movie theater expecting one thing, and then leave dissatisfied and unhappy because they didn't get it. Good movies have died at the box office for just this reason, and I think this book falls into that category because of misleading dust jacket.
This is the story...more
This is the story...more
"The Second Mrs. Gioconda" by E. L. Konigsburg
(from the back cover)
The greatest artist of his time......an apprentice with a larcenous heart and an aversion to the truth.......a young duchess whose plain face belies her beautiful soul. Could the complex ways these three lives intertwine hold the key to a historical riddle as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa's smile--why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimportant merchant when all the nobles of Europe were...more
(from the back cover)
The greatest artist of his time......an apprentice with a larcenous heart and an aversion to the truth.......a young duchess whose plain face belies her beautiful soul. Could the complex ways these three lives intertwine hold the key to a historical riddle as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa's smile--why Leonardo da Vinci devoted three years to a painting of the second wife of an unimportant merchant when all the nobles of Europe were...more
Nov 29, 2007
Daniel
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
literature
There are very few authors whose books I will seek out, but Konigsburg is near the top of my list. Everything I've read of hers has been slightly different, and certainly far from "traditional" in the YA genre.
Here Konigsburg offers up some "historical fiction" about Leonardo DaVinci. I rather like the way Konigsburg handles this -- while the book seems to be about the painting of the Mona Lisa, it really is about the events leading up to the how and why of the painting. In fact, we don't meet t...more
Here Konigsburg offers up some "historical fiction" about Leonardo DaVinci. I rather like the way Konigsburg handles this -- while the book seems to be about the painting of the Mona Lisa, it really is about the events leading up to the how and why of the painting. In fact, we don't meet t...more
I read most of this in 4th grade, but our class didn't finish it before summer break. It captured my imagination enough that I always wondered how the story resolved. When I saw the title in a used bookstore this winter, I was delighted. After 20 years, the story would end! The final third wasn't as good as the first two-thirds; it felt like an extended denouement even though you know the title character will finally be introduced. Overall a good read though; E. L. Konigsburg is a lovely writer....more
A lovely little read -
"The Second Mrs. Gioconda" is a short and sweet work that can keep a reader entertained for a small but certainly nice amount of time. I mean - the book is only 138 pages, but it's to the point in a way that just kind of makes you giggle once in a while. If you pay attention, the bits and pieces of humor and [kind of] history will go together pleasantly [though not all of it is bound to be accurate, obviously] but over-all it made me smile. I recommend it to curious people...more
"The Second Mrs. Gioconda" is a short and sweet work that can keep a reader entertained for a small but certainly nice amount of time. I mean - the book is only 138 pages, but it's to the point in a way that just kind of makes you giggle once in a while. If you pay attention, the bits and pieces of humor and [kind of] history will go together pleasantly [though not all of it is bound to be accurate, obviously] but over-all it made me smile. I recommend it to curious people...more
A good, quick read, but nothing as good as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler or The View From Saturday.
Fun history, and I learned enough about the characters to make me go do some extra research, but the ending was altogether too abrupt.
Fun history, and I learned enough about the characters to make me go do some extra research, but the ending was altogether too abrupt.
Apr 01, 2011
dthaase
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fiction,
read-to-the-kids
An entertaining and interesting read. Written as a fictional biography about Leonardo da Vinci and his servant Salai the story is a wonderful book for children and adults alike. A great introduction to the life, times, and work of da Vinci. A well written book by Konigsburg who is a two-time Newberry Medal-winning author.
Here's a favorite quote from page 92:
"A person looking at a work of art should not be slapped to attention; he should be wooed."
Here's a favorite quote from page 92:
"A person looking at a work of art should not be slapped to attention; he should be wooed."
Historical kid-lit that attempts to solve the mystery of the Mona Lisa. I always enjoy E.L. Konigsburg, and this was no exception. Maybe not as good as The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, but that's possibly because that one has a special place in my heart.
This book was way better (and more realistic!) than The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Plus, easier to type.
One of the reasons I loved this so much was because of Leonardo da Vinci. He is like, THE MAN. I also liked the attempt to explain one of history's greatest mysteries.
And, I like discovering little known gems. So, even if you didn't like The Mixed Up Files, try this book. For me? Please?
One of the reasons I loved this so much was because of Leonardo da Vinci. He is like, THE MAN. I also liked the attempt to explain one of history's greatest mysteries.
And, I like discovering little known gems. So, even if you didn't like The Mixed Up Files, try this book. For me? Please?
Jun 09, 2012
Dawn Roberts
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-alouds-with-my-kids
Read this to dd. A sweet portrait of Leonardo da Vinci as seen through his relationship with his young servant. Some endearing characters. I love this sort of historical fiction that makes it easy to step inside another culture and era. The historical details might not hang together, but I appreciate the "pegs" on which we can "hang our hats" when we try to remember historical facts and how they are linked together.
I'm so happy that the first E.L. Konigsburg book I ever read was The View from Saturday because the past two Konigsburg books I've attempted to read have been duds. If this book or the last book I read by Konigsburg had been the first one I read then I don't know if I would've ever discovered the beauty of The View from Saturday.
I was actually really intrigued by the idea of this story, but it fell flat for me. I found myself trying to keep names and titles straight rather than being able to fol...more
I was actually really intrigued by the idea of this story, but it fell flat for me. I found myself trying to keep names and titles straight rather than being able to fol...more
I love historical fiction and Leonardo Da Vinci is fascinating, but this books didn't really grab my attention and make me want to turn the pages. It was a bit slow, and I'm not sure it's really for children. However, I don't think it's complex enough for adults. I did find some interesting bits, and I learned some things from it.
Wonderful glimpse into the mystery of the Mona Lisa. As with any book that involves real characters I wish there had been a bit at the back explaining what characters / situations were historical and which were fictional. If that info was included I would definately rated this 5 stars.
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Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was an American author and illustrator of children's books and young adult fiction. She was the only author to win the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor in the same year (1968), with her second and first books respectively: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth. Kongisburg won a second Newbery...more
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“How dare he fall in love with his own wife! -Salai”
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