Laura Morelli is an author driven by a fascination with preserving and celebrating the world's craft traditions. Her work delves into the living, centuries-old artistic practices that are often passed down through generations. Morelli seeks to guide readers toward authentic experiences, uncovering the inherent value in handmade objects and the artisans who create them. Through her writing, she aims to connect contemporary audiences with the rich legacy of skilled craftsmanship.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows a girl's profound bond with a boy taking refuge in her family's Tuscan villa, which conceals priceless treasures from the Uffizi Galleries. This poignant coming-of-age tale explores the transformative power of art during times of conflict, weaving together themes of love, resilience, and the impact of history on personal lives, all inspired by real-life events.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows a girl who forms a deep bond with a boy taking refuge in her family's Tuscan villa, which conceals the treasures of the Uffizi Galleries. This poignant coming-of-age tale explores the resilience of youth and the transformative power of art during conflict, drawing inspiration from real historical events.
In a race across Nazi-occupied Italy, two women--a German photographer and an American stenographer--hunt for priceless masterpieces looted from the Florentine art collections. In the summer of 1943, Eva Brunner is taking photographs of Nazi-looted art hidden in the salt mines of the Austrian hinterland. Across the ocean in Connecticut, Josephine Evans is working as a humble typist at the Yale Art Gallery. When both women are called to Italy to contribute to the war effort, neither imagines she will hold the fate of some of the world's greatest masterpieces torn from the Uffizi Galleries and other Florentine art collections in her hands. But as Italy turns from ally to enemy and Hitler's plan to destroy irreplaceable monuments and works of art becomes frighteningly clear, each woman's race against the clock--and against one another--might demand more than they were prepared to give. The Last Masterpiece takes readers on a heart-pumping adventure up the Italian peninsula, where nothing is as it seems and some of the greatest works of art and human achievement are at stake. Who might steal and who might save a work of art--and at what cost? Inspired by the incredible true story of the Monuments Women, the Fifth Army WACs, and the looted Florentine art collections during World War II, the latest historical novel by USA Today bestselling author and art historian Laura Morelli plunges readers into the heart of war-torn Italy.
The book features a captivating narrative from a USA Today bestselling author, known for their engaging storytelling and compelling characters. Readers can expect a blend of emotion and intrigue, with themes that resonate deeply and plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. The author's signature style shines through, promising a memorable reading experience filled with rich details and well-developed arcs.
The narrative intertwines the lives of two women across five centuries, both connected through the secret of hiding Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa. As they navigate their respective eras, their actions lead to unforeseen repercussions that ripple through time, exploring themes of art, legacy, and the impact of choices made in secrecy. The story delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by each woman, highlighting their resilience and the complex relationship between art and history.
Two women, separated by five hundred years, hide Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa-with unintended consequences.From the USA Today bestselling author of The Night Portrait comes a stunning historical novel that will forever change the way you look at the Mona Lisa.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. But when Lisa's husband asks Master Leonardo da Vinci to paint a portrait of Lisa, Bellina finds herself tasked with hiding an impossible secret.France, 1939: As the Nazis close in on Paris at the dawn of World War II, a young archivist, Anne Guichard, helps the frantic Louvre staff spirit away the Mona Lisa and other priceless works of art to hiding places in the French countryside. But as the dangerous game of cat and mouse comes to a head, Anne realizes her own family may hold the secret to returning the Louvre's collection to safety.
Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Florence, the narrative explores the intricate relationship between a master sculptor and a struggling painter as they navigate their artistic ambitions. The creation of a monumental statue serves as a catalyst for their intertwined lives, revealing themes of rivalry, inspiration, and the pursuit of greatness in a vibrant cultural landscape.
'Historical fiction at its best' Reader review The Tattooist of Auschwitz meets Girl with a Pearl Earring in this gripping, dual-timeline historical novel about one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings and the woman who fought to save it from the Nazis.
Exploring Italy's artisanal legacy, the book showcases exquisite craftsmanship from various regions, including Tuscany's maiolica ceramics and Florentine leather. It highlights unique treasures such as Neapolitan cameos, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and Murano glass. Readers are taken on a journey to discover lesser-known destinations and hidden workshops, revealing the meticulous handcrafting processes behind leather goods, gilded frames, and more, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and artistry of Italy.
The book delves into the luxurious world of exquisite French craftsmanship, highlighting items such as Baccarat crystal and Limoges porcelain. It explores the elegance of scented gloves and handmade umbrellas from Paris, alongside the rich tradition of savoring fine digestifs like Armagnac and Cognac. Through these elements, it captures the essence of opulence and the art of living well in French culture.