by: Thoma Schlesser
Goodreads Synopsis:
Fifty-two weeks. That’s all the time Mona has left to learn about beauty before she loses her eyesight forever.
Fifty-two works of art. Every Wednesday, Mona’s grandfather picks her up after school and takes her to see a great work of art.
Fifty-two chapters. Together, on their visit to Paris’ museums, Mona and her grandfather will experience enchantment and sadness.
Above all, they will grow ever closer and learn to lean on each other. From Botticelli to Basquiat, Mona will discover not only the power of art, but also the meaning of generosity, doubt, melancholy, and loss. A profound, beautifully crafted novel about the fullness of life and an enthralling guide to the world’s most renowned art, Mona’s Eyes is a moving story about the bond between a young girl and her grandfather.
Helen says: DNF
I love Art History, but this was dull to me. I quit pretty early. I might not have given it a fair chance. It was originally published in French and it just didn’t translate well in my opinion.
Holly says: DNF
I agree with Helen. I read about 2/3 of the book and just gave up. This was Barnes & Noble’s book of the year – I don’t quite understand that. It was definitely like an art history class, and I was not drawn in to the accompanying story and relationship between Mona and her grandfather. Sorry…I may pick it up again. However, I did read Raising Hare, which I ran out of time for last month. Raising Hare was beautifully written and a lovely story. Whether you like it or not, is obviously, pure personal choice. I have heard everything from “fantastic, beautiful, 5 stars, best book I have read this year” to “boring, didn’t finish, not my type of book to read”. I’ll leave it up to you to decide. But I will add this, if you enjoyed reading H is for Hawk, I think you will really enjoy and appreciate Raising Hare.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 