“Like Outlander with an Italian accent.” –Real Simple “A detailed historical novel, a multifaceted mystery, and a moving tale of improbable love.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review A NEW YORK POST MUST-READ BOOK Readers of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring…will be swept away by the spell of medieval Siena” (Library Journal, starred review) in this … be swept away by the spell of medieval Siena” (Library Journal, starred review) in this transporting love story and gripping historical mystery.
Accomplished neurosurgeon Beatrice Trovato knows that her deep empathy for her patients is starting to impede her work. So when her beloved brother passes away, she welcomes the unexpected trip to the Tuscan city of Siena to resolve his estate, even as she wrestles with grief. But as she delves deeper into her brother’s affairs, she discovers intrigue she never imagined–a 700-year-old conspiracy to decimate the city.
As Beatrice explores the evidence further, she uncovers the journal and paintings of the fourteenth-century artist Gabriele Accorsi. But when she finds a startling image of her own face, she is suddenly transported to the year 1347. She awakens in a Siena unfamiliar to her, one that will soon be hit by the Plague.
Yet when Beatrice meets Accorsi, something unexpected happens: she falls in love–not only with Gabriele, but also with the beauty and cadence of medieval life. As the Plague and the ruthless hands behind its trajectory threaten not only her survival but also Siena’s very existence, Beatrice must decide in which century she belongs.
The Scribe of Siena is the captivating story of a brilliant woman’s passionate affair with a time and a place that captures her in an impossibly romantic and dangerous trap–testing the strength of fate and the bonds of love.more
This book pushed me out of just about all of my genre preferences–I am not a time travel fiction buff and historical fiction, particularly when “true love” is a plot driver, usually annoys me–but we are in good hands with this author. Her characters are fully realized and deeply compelling, her description of 14th century Siena is fascinating, and her intelligent and likable lead character’s interest in the question of what happened to create the specific historic events in that city before and immediately after the plague creates a delicious plot impossible to resist. Like Outlander, this must be considered one of the best novels in its genre. The perfect summer read!
I enjoyed the book so much. I have been to Siena and thought it was a magical place. This book has a great historical perspective that just makes you think of all that we have and take for granted
Loved it!
Wonderful book!