The Scribe of Siena

A Novel

By: Melodie Winawer

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Equal parts transporting love story and gripping historical conspiracy - think The Girl with a Pearl Earring meets Outlander - debut author Melodie Winawer takes listeners deep into medieval Italy, where the past and present blur and a 21st-century woman will discover a plot to destroy Siena.

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.

After uncovering the journal and paintings of Gabriele Accorsi, the 14th-century artist at the heart of the plot, Beatrice finds a startling image of her own face and 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.

©2017 Melodie Winawer (P)2017 S&S Audio

Critic reviews

"Will remind historical fiction readers of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring.... Lovers of meticulously researched historical fiction and time-travel narratives will be swept away by the spell of medieval Siena." ( Library Journal)

"Cassandra Campbell's performance transports listeners to medieval Italy... Campbell's narration is an engrossing complement to the story, helping the listener to vividly imagine life as it was in that long-ago time." ( AudioFile)

"Outlander" minus all the sex, sadism & kidnapping

Seriously, this is just Outlander Italian Edition but more chaste and a bit less melodramatic. It wasn't a totally bad book but it was honestly a bit ludicrous in its similarities. If you prefer your historical time travel more PG-13 than R, this is the book for you.

Romance, Intrigue,Time Travel to Medieval Italy

This fictional story, set in a romanticized version of Medieval Italy, focuses on a woman of today who travels back in time to find the love of her life, a handsome poetic painter who becomes the target of a troubled killer. Our couple goes through many trials and tribulations, including a devastating plague and the separation of hundreds of years. The combination of the the dialog used by the 13th century characters and the beautiful Italian accent of the narrator made this a pleasure to listen to. If you enjoy this book, try From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon.

Heady Science with Artistic Sensibility

In the author’s note at the end of The Scribe of Sienna, Melodie Winawer’s time traveling historical fiction, she writes “this isn’t history- it’s fiction, and fiction, by definition, goes between and beyond the facts. That is the privilege and the heady pleasure of the novelist.” The pleasure extends bountifully to the reader. Winawer’s skillful combination of beautifully written sensory detail, meticulous research into 14th century Sienna, her knowledge as a neurosurgeon, and the complex story that results, are captivating. The time travel, and juxtaposition of heady science with artistic sensibility and doses of spirituality and hard political intrigue give Winawer a broad range within which to explore human character from the 14th century to our own, and the themes that bind all the best stories. Don’t miss this book!

Disappointing.

I could have overlooked the thin plot, but the author’s use of convenient details is so amateur and silly that I had to laugh. I would never have the patience to listen to this book again; which is how I rate a well-written and beautifully narrated story. (Cassandra was her usual amazing self) Also, let’s talk about the time-travel/Gabaldon similarities?

Silly and insipid NOT accurate

This book is nothing more than a bodice ripper disquised as an historical novel. The writing is immature. the author knows just enough about the 14th century to render a few details regarding the culture sonewhat accurate. Overall, the book is a waste of time to those of us who love Medieval fiction

Siena, Medival times, The Black Plague = Excellent

This book was outstanding!! The time travel came as a bit of a surprise, the narration was excellent - love Cassandra Campbell - and her Italian accent was perfect. The characters were terrific - really well developed and real enough to care about. The descriptions of the paintings and medieval Siena were wonderful! The plot line regarding the onslaught of the plague was great!
The epilogue gives great info about what is and is not accurate in this historical fiction
Highly, Highly recommend!!
PS - Also very surprised to see this was the only book by this author.....so wishing there was a sequel!

Absolutely Amazing

I loved this book and narrator. I'm SO happy I stumbled across it. It is breathtaking and has made me want to learn more wait Italy and it's history. This book I could read again and again...or I should say listen too. Romantic, dramatic, stunning.

Intriguing, I didn't want it it end!!!

The narrator was awesome. The novel and images of Siena came alive in my mind's eye, making Siena special to me, though I've never been there. The characters became family, friends, acquaintances, foes. While listening, throughout, my heart pound with fear and anticipation as danger occurred and as as human intimacies were narrated. Throughout, tears welled in my eyes AND I smiled and laughed. I yearn to learn more about 14th Century Siena. I didn't want it to end!!!

if you are a fan of outlander, this is for you

I enjoy most books involving time travel. This one reminded me of the outlander series due to there being a healer and ability to travel back and forth. I'm also a sucker for love stories. I found myself going to sleep late at night over this book and dreaming of Italy. Overall I enjoyed it.

WOOOOWWWW

I could not stop listening. So well written! Melodie transports you back to 14th century Tuscany with her vivid descriptions. Cassandra's narration deserves an award! I will definitely look for more titles with her narrating.

The plot is thick and well written 👏🏽. Best part was the plot wasn't peppered with unnecessary sex. It was refreshing to have actual romance sprinkled throughout this spectacular book. I can highly recommend this book.