"The world interfered." This is a phrase that Ms. Scotti writes about three quarters of the way through the book and, in just three words, encompasses the entire scandal of the theft of Mona Lisa, told so eloquently and wonderfully in this book. When the Mona Lisa was stolen, the entire world was shocked and taken under her spell even more than they had been when she was hanging on the wall of the Louvre. The painting, her theft, and the events that ensued as a result entranced people almost to a state of forgetting that there actually was a world that they were living in outside of La Gioconda's world. It became hard to imagine a world without her once it seemed as though the world had lost her forever. It is a book that is written the way one would write a work of fiction - fluidly, in the moment, and with rich description - but maintains it status as top quality nonfiction due to the author's obvious use of extensive research. As an art history major and now art historian, I can say that this is the kind of book we all aspire to write as art historians: one that is readable, flowing in its description and actually enjoyable to read, inspiring the reader to invest themselves in the art and events, yet maintains its integrity as a work of research and academic prowess. Well done, Ms. Scotti, and I look forward to reading your other works! Did you know the Mona Lisa was stolen and missing? I didn't. This is the fascinating account of events from the day it went missing in August 1911 until it was recovered in December 1913. For over two years, the Mona Lisa was missing from the Louve. Picasso and his friends were initially accused; and one of his friends was imprisoned. Finally, when Mona Lisa was found, Vincenzo Peruggia was brought to trial for the theft. But even today, questions still surround the theft. Who was actually involved, was it a group or just Vincenzo and where was the Mona Lisa for over two years?
What do You think about The Lost Mona Lisa (2000)?
Could not finish this, it was boring. It just did not hold my attention
—shikha
