Sabina

A Novel Set in the Italian Renaissance

By: C. De Melo

Narrated by: Brook Van Beuren

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Sabina Rossi's forced marriage comes to an abrupt end during the infamous Pazzi Conspiracy. Wealthy beyond her dreams, the young widow is free to pursue her passions - with the utmost discretion, of course. The patriarchal society of Florence is full of secrets, and women who don't follow the rules suffer dire consequences.

An unexpected betrayal leaves Sabina facing a potential scandal. Now, she must pick up the pieces of her shattered life and save her reputation.

Three generations of Rossi women span the most intriguing period of Medici history in this stunning novel.

©2009 Christine De Melo (P)2018 Christine De Melo

Horrible narrator

The story is great, but the narrator and production value are subpar. First of all, the narrator's cadence sounds forced and off. She overprounces every word and it sounds unnatural. Plus, she needs to learn to pronounce simple words like "sword " Secondly, there was little quality control when editing as there are lines repeated and sound levels don't flow when edits are dropped into the production. I was going to purchase "Allegra" from the same author, but changed my mind when I saw it was voiced by the same person.

Enchanting!

There is something about a book by C. De Melo that is visually beautiful with poetic prose. Sabina has all of that, but isn't a predictable love story with a happy ending. Sabina's story is bittersweet, but faithfully reflective of the time in Florence, Italy. She is a young woman who has traveled her own path and has a great mind. She is a dreamer who rebelled against the marked difference in what men and women were expected to do and she caught the eye of a number of the Medici men. Lorenzo, the exalted ruler of Florence, liked her drive and her unapologetic tendency to speak of things no woman ever did. Theirs was a platonic affair, but not without jealousy and danger. Her father arranged a marriage for her, with a much older man who turned out to be a wonderful husband. He treated her well, but her heart was with another of the Medicis. The power of the government was a central theme, along with traitors and bonafide evildoers within the church. Sabina is a trip through history, getting to know the places, people, customs and dreams of the Italian Renaissance.
Brook Van Beuren wonderfully narrates the story. Her dynamic voice and smooth intonation are excellent. There are a few mispronunciations that are a little off-putting, particularly the Italian names, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.

Powerful women

As much as the world has changed from the time of this book until now, much remains the same. It's still a man's world dominated by men and the glass ceiling is real with a few cracks in it. Sabina was a strong woman ahead of her time. She got stronger with each situation she outmaneuvered and fought to rise above. She made many good influential allies and made the most of them. I enjoyed watching her take control. I am overjoyed that she got some quality time with her heart's desire and some revenge she rightly deserved. Some tears. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job with voices and accents bringing characters to life.

Disappointed

Hoped to learn something other than names and dates and vague descriptions of the historical personages of the Medici. This is a sappy love story that is contrived and predictable. The narrator's voice matches the story. Soft sex scenes are well written. I listened to the end like one listens to gossip. If you're not looking for any more it might appeal.