Donna Jo Napoli is the author of one of my favorite books (Zel), but generally, I think her books are just "okay". I did, however, enjoy The Smile. Unfortunately, I don't have that much to say about it because it's been a while since I read it... But here's what I do have:
There are a couple of deaths of Elisabetta's loved ones and they are quite abrupt and jarring. That seems appropriate, though, given the nature of those deaths. It's realistic. You can't always see death coming.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about the life that Napoli gave this unknown woman. It was engaging and interesting.
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