Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Review of Chasing Mona Lisa

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey is a historical novel about the nearing of the end of WW2 and the race to get the priceless Mona Lisa. The setting is Paris. As the resistance grows stronger and the Nazis are driven back, a top official in the Third Reich is determined to steal as many art pieces as he can. However, he has not yet achieved his biggest goal and huge postwar bargaining chip- the famous Mona Lisa painting.

Yet she has eluded him still with the help of one determined protector who will not allow her to be kidnapped by the enemy. Yet the Nazis are becoming closer and closer to discovering her location. Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler, Swiss OSS agents, must race against time to get to the Mona Lisa before it falls into German hands.

This book was fast-paced, and it was obvious that the authors had done extensive historical research. The characters are clear, and I felt as if I were watching, not reading, a historical show or movie. The details are that clear. The characters were all determined and dedicated, and the last part of the book is really intriguing to readers to see how everything resolves in the end. It was nice to get a glimpse into WW2.

I picked up this book expecting the best. Tricia Goyer is a great author, the book is historical, it's a race for the Mona Lisa... who wouldn't be intrigued? That said, I'm sad to say that I never really got to like any of the characters. There wasn't a buildup of sympathy or really getting to know the characters. Perhaps it is because this book is the sequel to a book titled The Swiss Courier, but I had to dig around to find that out. Fast-paced is a great thing, but not when it sacrifices the characters. I really had a hard time getting into the book, and it didn't become a "must-finish" until the very end. Also, there are some elements that would not be appropriate for young readers.

All in all, I rate this book three out of five.

Specifics:
~Paperback: 325 pages
~Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2012)

Note: Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

Blessings,

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Girl of Many Colors, for reviewing "Chasing Mona Lisa," the book I co-authored with Tricia Goyer. You're right . . . there was a lot of action and not so much time spent on what the characters were thinking about in their heads . . . but we wanted to write a thrilling page-turner. I'm glad you felt like you were watching, not reading, a historical show or movie because that what we set out to do. I know you can't read every novel that comes your way, so I appreciate the attention to "Chasing Mona Lisa" and sharing it with your readers! Mike Yorkey

Anna said...

I have to say that im a book worm and look foward to reading "chasing Mona Lisa", thanks for your tip.

Rissi said...

Oooh! Darn - I was kind of hoping this one would be an interesting read.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin