I received a free copy of the book from the publisher, but I wasn’t paid for this post, and all opinions are my own.
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In “The Scribe of Siena,” we follow Beatrice Trovato, a skilled neurosurgeon whose deep empathy for her patients is affecting her work. When her beloved brother dies, she travels to Siena, Italy, to handle his estate while grappling with her grief. During this process, she uncovers a surprising discovery: a 700-year-old conspiracy aimed at destroying the city.
Beatrice finds the journal and paintings of Gabriele Accorsi, a 14th-century artist involved in the conspiracy. Shockingly, one of his paintings features her face, and before she knows it, she’s transported back to the year 1347. She wakes up in a bafflingly different Siena, just before the city is struck by the Plague.
As Beatrice gets to know Gabriele, she finds herself falling in love—not just with him but with the enchanting medieval life. However, with the Plague and the deadly plot threatening both her life and the city’s future, she faces a tough decision about which century she truly belongs in.
“The Scribe of Siena” is an engrossing tale of a brilliant woman who becomes captivated by a time and place, finding herself in a romantic and risky situation that tests fate and love.
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If you’re a fan of time travel romances, you’ll likely enjoy “The Scribe of Siena.” It has similarities to “Outlander,” but it’s set in medieval Italy instead of Scotland and features less explicit content. The book stands out with its unique voice and should especially appeal to fans of the Humanities and Art History.
Author Melodie Winawer demonstrates her potential, showing a keen eye for historical accuracy that adds authenticity to the story. Although there is room for improvement, her debut is entertaining and engaging.
What I loved most was the romance between Beatrice and Gabriele. Their love story has a magical, soulmate feel reminiscent of classic film romances like “Somewhere in Time.” The inclusion of the Black Plague adds suspense, making the historical setting even more intriguing. Imagine falling in love in one of the worst periods in history; it heightens the romantic tension and makes for a gripping read.
One criticism is the narrative style and pace. The story often shifts to characters who aren’t as engaging, particularly a somewhat uninspiring villain whose motivations are unconvincing. It would have been more compelling to focus on the perspectives of Beatrice and Gabriele, which would have given the book a faster pace.
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Overall, while I didn’t fall in love with the novel, I still really liked it. Winawer shows great talent, and I’m excited to see her future work. If you’re looking for a captivating historical romance, “The Scribe of Siena” is a great choice!
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As for an adaptation, “The Scribe of Siena” would be perfect for a high-budget limited series on a streaming platform or cable. The artistic setting, romantic plot, and time travel elements would make it a hit with period drama fans.
(Note: The book contains a few sex scenes, but they’re not overly explicit, making it comparable to a PG-13 rating.)
