4 out of 4 stars
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The Girl Who Knew da Vinci by Belle Ami is an amazing historical art fiction with the combination of love, mystery, suspense, and thrill. Touching three generations, this historical mystery revolves around Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting which connects the reader with lovers of three different eras.
Angela Renatus, an ambitious art historian, is pursuing her internship at Getty Museum. Despite her dream career, she finds herself in a turbulent situation when she starts watching dreams about the lost painting of da Vinci and its related characters Giuliano de Medici and his beloved mistress Fioretta Gorini. At one side, her dreams have been providing clues to reach the lost painting; on the other hand, she has to deal with her lecher boss, Dr. Alberto Scordato, who is after to spoil her professional career and prestige.
Meantime, she meets Alex Caine, who is an army veteran and art detective, searching for da Vinci’s painting. The commonality of purpose joints them together to make collective efforts to reveal the mystery of Leonardo’s secret painting, lost during WWII. The story follows a new twist when Angela and Alex feel a close affinity with each other and connects it with the characters of the past; Giuliano-Fioretta (lovers at the time of Leonardo Da Vinci), and Sophia-Gerhard (lovers during WWII). This addition of past-life regression gives an interesting spice to the story.
The story is very captivating and I was bogged down from the very beginning. The author beautifully presents the story from different angles and themes including romance, historical mystery, and professional jealousy. The story is fast-paced and intriguing. Each chapter offers something new. I was much inspired by the vivid description of the locations of Italy. Such historical things require proper research, and I think the author has done justice in this regard.
The plot is well-developed in all aspects and I could not find any loophole. The story flows smoothly despite the transitioning periods of the past and present. The author skillfully weaves all elements of love and historical mystery together. The book is well-edited with the only couple of mistakes. So keeping in view all the positive attributes of this book, I have decided to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. The book contains few sensitive scenes. So I will not recommend it for teenagers. Moreover, it has an enthralling and intricate plot with historical touches and a spoon of romance. This book is perfectly fit for all those who have interest in art, romance, and history.
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The Girl Who Knew da Vinci
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