The Towers of Tuscany, Carol M. Cram
The Towers of Tuscany, Carol M. Cram
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The Towers of Tuscany

Author: Carol M. Cram

Narrator: Carol M. Cram

Unabridged: 10 hr 18 min

Format: Digital Audiobook (DRM Protected)

Published: 12/16/2014

Synopsis

Sofia is trained in secret as a painter in her father’s workshop during a time when women did not paint openly. She loves her work, but her restless spirit leads her to betray her extraordinary gifts to marry a man who comes to despise her for not producing a son.After Sofia’s father is crushed by his own fresco during an attack motivated by a vendetta, Sofia realizes she must escape her loveless marriage. She flees to Siena, where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her.Meticulously researched settings and compelling characters are united with a strong heroine in this rich portrait of medieval Italy.Revised edition: This edition of The Towers of Tuscany includes editorial revisions.

About Carol M. Cram

Before her debut as a critically acclaimed author of historical fiction, Carol M. Cram wrote dozens of bestselling college textbooks for courses in computer applications and communications. She served on the faculty at Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada, for over two decades, and also facilitated numerous workshops for corporate and government clients in her role as vice president of Clear Communication Consultants. Carol holds an MA in drama from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. She lives on Bowen Island near Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, painter Gregg Simpson.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Wendy on January 31, 2015

The Towers Of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram blends fact with fiction to give us a captivating tale set in medieval Italy. This is the story of Sophia, whose artistic talent was passed down to her from her father, a well known and extremely talented painter. However, painting is forbidden for women and we......more

Goodreads review by Debbie on April 11, 2014

This is a remarkable and impressive historical novel from a debut writer who has rich facts at her fingertips and the skill to weave them unobtrusively into a compelling story. I received a free review copy of this book on its launch, and the synopsis instantly hit a lot of hot buttons for me - a his......more

Goodreads review by Mirella on April 07, 2014

The Towers of Tuscany is an excellent example of historical fiction at its finest. The story takes place in 14th century San Gimignano, Italy. Sofia is the heroine. Her father is a painter, but from a young age, she showed greater talent. But in medieval Italy, women were forbidden to paint. Her fat......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on March 23, 2015

I’m pretty ambivalent on this book. I adored the details on the ins and outs of medieval painting in 1330’s Italy; some of the historical details I got were lovely. But that main character really needs to be go. The author did an incredible job at world-building and got the details right for her main......more

Goodreads review by Italo on August 20, 2014

The Towers of Tuscany is a fictional biography of an Italian woman born in the early years of the Italian Renaissance, or the late years of the Middle Ages, depending on your classification. The sense of place, San Gimignano and Siena, is very strong in The Towers of Tuscany. Reading the book, I felt......more

Quotes

Winner of the Chaucer Grand Prize Ribbon for Historical Fiction Pre-1750s“From the very first page, Carol M. Cram captivates with her writing, transporting you to the rolling hills and rich palette of fourteenth-century Tuscany. You care for the protagonist, Sofia, from the outset and become an ally throughout the perilous pursuit of her beloved art. The twists and turns of the plot, and the fast pace of the writing, make it a book that is very hard to put down. I cannot praise this novel highly enough. It is a story that lingers long after you have reluctantly reached the last page. I highly recommend this book as a must-read and wish this debut novelist great success with her career. She is definitely an author to watch and has earned a firm fan who will be buying her next book.” —Janis Pegrum Smith, Historical Novel Society“The Towers of Tuscany is a delightful escape to the Siena we all love. Carol Cram has crafted a delicious story about a strong woman torn between her secret past, her love of painting, and the forbidden charms of her rich patron. Hard to resist and highly recommended!” —Anne Fortier, author of the New York Times bestseller Juliet and The Lost Sisterhood“The Towers of Tuscany has all the elements of a wonderful historical novel—a talented, frustrated heroine; a treacherous, feckless husband; and a promise to a dying, much loved father who orders the heroine on a dangerous mission. Carol is a first-rate storyteller. The research is well done. Every chapter displays a fine knowledge of painting technique of the fourteenth century, and customs and mores of the age. The details of dress, fabric, food, are flawless. The clever dialogue and fast pace make the novel zing along.” —Roberta Rich, bestselling author of The Midwife of Venice and The Harem Midwife

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