THE SENSATIONAL #1 FRENCH BESTSELLER THAT HAS TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM

An inspiring journey across five centuries of art in the company of ten-year-old Mona and her grandfather, Henry. They have only fifty-two Wednesdays to visit fifty-two masterpieces and commit to memory what is most beautiful in the world before Mona loses her sight forever.

A novel of initiation that does for art what Jostein Gaarder’s novel Sophie’s World did for philosophy, with the emotional impact of The Elegance of the Hedgehog, and the readability of Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind or The Little Paris Bookshop, Thomas Schlesser’s sensational debut novel Mona’s Eyes is at once a moving book about the fullness of life and a deeply touching story about the special relationship between a girl and her grandfather.

The doctors can find no explanation for ten-year-old Mona’s sudden, brief episode of blindness, but they all agree that it might return, and that permanent blindness cannot be ruled out. Mona’s grandfather Henry may not be able to stop his granddaughter from losing her sight, but he can fill the encroaching darkness with beauty. Every Wednesday, for an entire year, they abscond together and go to visit a masterpiece, each week a new one. On these visits, Mona and her grandfather will experience a full range of emotions; their enchantment as well as their melancholy will be complete, and their lives will never be the same. From Botticelli to Basquiat, Mona will discover not only the power of art but also the meaning of generosity, doubt, melancholy, loss, love, memory, revolt, and so much more.

With the brio of a novelist, the erudition of an art historian, and the exuberance of one who is alive to life’s wonders, Thomas Schlesser has written a highly accessible, heartfelt novel that will delight and inspire readers of all ages.

TARGET CONSUMER

- Art Enthusiasts: Readers passionate about art history and the cultural significance of iconic masterpieces.
- Fans of Literary Fiction: Those who enjoy character-driven novels with rich emotional landscapes and profound themes.
- Intergenerational Stories Lovers: Readers drawn to narratives exploring deep connections between grandparents and grandchildren.
- Contemplative Readers: Individuals seeking a reflective and poetic story about love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.
- Book Clubs: Groups looking for a moving, thought-provoking novel that inspires discussions about art, family, and the essence of beauty.
- Comp titles: Sophie’s World, Life of Pi, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, The Kite Runner, Klara and the Sun, The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats

KEY SELLING POINTS

- International Acclaim: This sensational French novel has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a literary phenomenon praised for its poetic prose and universal appeal. Bestseller in France, weeks at no.1, over 300K sold
- Translation deals in 37 countries and counting; reached top 10 in all the countries where it’s been published so far
- A Heartfelt Exploration of Art and Life: Mona’s Eyes intertwines the emotional journey of a young girl and her grandfather with a rich exploration of art, showcasing 52 masterpieces from Botticelli to Basquiat.
- Profound Emotional Depth: The novel captures the full range of human emotions, blending themes of beauty, loss, love, and resilience as Mona prepares for the impending loss of her sight.
- Intergenerational Bonding: The touching relationship between Mona and her grandfather highlights the power of shared experiences and the passing down of knowledge and love.
- An Accessible Gateway to Art History: Mona’s Eyes introduces readers to some of the world’s most renowned artworks in an engaging and relatable narrative, making art history approachable for all.