The Stolen Lady
The Stolen Lady is an exciting, dual-timeline historical novel about the creation of one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings, The Monna Lisa, and the woman who fought to save it and other paintings from the clutches of the Nazi’s and destruction during World War II.
France, 1939
At the dawn of World War II, Anne Guichard, a young archivist employed at the Louvre, arrives home to find her brother missing. While she works to discover his whereabouts, refugees begin flooding into Paris, and German artillery fire rattles the city. Once they reach the city, the Nazis will stop at nothing to get their hands on the Louvre’s art collection. Anne is quickly sent to the Castle of Chambord, where the Louvre’s most precious artworks—including the Mona Lisa—are being transferred to ensure their safety. With the Germans hard on their heels, Anne frantically moves the Mona Lisa and other treasures again and again in an elaborate game of hide and seek. As the threat to the masterpieces and her life grows closer, Anne also begins to learn the truth about her brother, and the role he plays in this dangerous game.
Florence, 1479
House servant Bellina Sardi’s future seems fixed when she accompanies her newly married mistress, Lisa Gherardini, to her home across the Arno. Lisa’s husband, a prosperous silk merchant, is aligned with the powerful Medici, his home filled with luxuries and treasures. But soon, Bellina finds herself bewitched by a charismatic monk who has urged Florentines to rise up against the Medici, and to empty their homes of the riches and jewels her new employer prizes. When Master Leonardo da Vinci is commissioned to paint a portrait of Lisa, Bellina finds herself tasked with hiding an impossible secret.
When art and war collide, Leonardo da Vinci, his beautiful subject Lisa, and the portrait find themselves in the crosshairs of history.
What appealed to you most in this story?
I love how I was transported through time and into the world of art and deception during World War II. I knew that many people were involved in saving and protecting art from the Nazis, but I did not know any of the stories - Till now, and I want to keep learning more!
How was the character development?
The characters were fully developed and compelling as the story was told from different points of view and time periods. The story itself revolves around the creation of the famous Mona Lisa, and is also centered around the character of Anne, an archivist at the Louve. Anne was my favorite, and I loved learning all she and others did during the war to protect so much art from the Louve, and keep it from the Nazis clutches. This woman is a true hero!
How did the dual timelines flow?
As the complex plot progresses and jumps through time periods, the storyline flowed seamlessly.
Did the author do her research?
YES! I love reading Morelli’s books just for all the amazing culture, history, and atmosphere. Her research and attention to details is meticulous, and she has the ability to paint words on the page bringing each European location and artwork to life in a way that’s stunningly cinematic. The story transported me to Milan, Florence, Paris, and the French countryside. I felt like I too was traveling through time and locations through these gorgeous parts of Europe just through the detailed imagery.
How was the pace?
Fast and steady. I was always turning the pages and waiting to see how things would unfold in both timelines.
Do you recommend this story?
Please read this book! The Stolen Lady is not only a masterpiece of art, but it is a story masterfully told.
P.S. If you haven’t already, read The Monuments Men or watch the movie. It tells the story of all the behind the scenes work of men and women fighting to keep culture and history from being destroyed.
Thank you William Morrow for the gifted copy of this book.
