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There are currently 20 member reviews
for The Scribe of Siena
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Ruth H. (Sebring, FL)
An Italian Adventure
Want to learn some Italian words? Though this is a work of fiction, I appreciate the authenticity of the Italian. I really enjoyed this book, however it starts our slowly. Stay with it because it gets better as you go along. The book gave me a real sense of the 13oo's, to be a woman and adhere to the laws of that time. Even though Beatrice was a highly educated doctor, in the old world she is treated as a lowly woman. It's rather hard to understand her time travel experience, but I can understand her desire to return and remain in 1300's Italy. There are plenty of villians, weaklings and secrets, yet there are also many one would love it meet; Clara and Ysabella or Donata and Linney. Starts out rather sadly but by the end of the book there are many mild surprises. It's a long story but so worth the time. Good work Melodie Winawer!
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Estella P. (New York, NY)
Time Travel, Love Story, Art Mystery
As a great fan of historical novels, time travel, and mysteries involving art, I was thrilled to find a book that includes all of these. The solution to the mystery which involves the Black Death and the manner in which she solves it is as unique as the love story which moves from the 21st century back to medieval Siena. The mode of time travel is particularly interesting and her descriptions of the people she meets and works with in her "adopted" century brings them to life. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good historical mystery combined with a love story that literally transcends the centuries.
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Elise B. (Macedonia, OH)
The Scribe of Siena
The Scribe of Sienna is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. The book moves back in forth in time from the modern day Tuscan city of Siena, Italy to Siena, Italy in 1347. I am a huge fan of the Outlander series, so my expectations were high; however, I found the time travel of Beatrice, the main character, and the romance between the artist Gabriele Accorsi and Beatrice was awkward, and although it was fantasy, contained difficult to believe plot lines. The details of the Plague, clothing, architecture, people, sounds, and lack of modern conveniences, transport you to Siena in 1347! The overall plot of the book is well done and keeps you guessing until the end.
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Freya H. (Towanda, PA)
The Scribe of Siena
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the first page to the last. If a reader is interested in history, fascinating characters, and a storyline that moves from one time period to another, then this book is for you. It would be a good choice for Book Clubs.
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Hayley A.
Meh
I was disappointed with "The Scribe of Siena." As an avid reader of a certain time-travel/romance series that's very popular right now, I thought that the premise for this book sounded intriguing. However, I felt that there was very little development of the characters and the underlying plot. The method of time travel that the author constructs seemed to be original and unique, but everything else rushed past so quickly that when I finally reached the conclusion, I felt both relieved and empty.
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Linda L. (Pickerington, OH)
Historically interesting
I requested The Scribe of Siena as I am traveling there soon and enjoy historical fiction. The plot was interesting historically about the conflict between Florence & Siena and the impact of the major plague in the 1300's. However, the time travel aspect, a challenge for most authors, felt artificial and contrived. It just did not come together for me and I found it difficult to forge ahead. It is a long read but the reader will learn some interesting facts of this period in Italy.
