I just finished "The Scribe" and I must not have been disappointed. This is a very nice historical novel to read and very knowledgeable about the times in which unfolds the facts (the reign of Charlemagne, king and not yet emperor). We learn many things about making recipes, daily scribes or apprentices, as well as the workings of the clergy. But fortunately for us, the novel does not stop there! A superb plot ahead. Theresa is the key character in the book, a heroine all fired up, a little naive but often determined. Apprentice parcheminière she, thanks to her father, the chance to read and write, real power for a woman of that time (a heresy for sure!). Tragic events will push her to flee those she loves most, taking with it without knowing a scroll containing a secret so terrible for the future of Christianity that some are willing to kill to get it back. In his adventure fraught with pitfalls, she meets an influential monk Alcuin of York, whose terribly keen sense of deduction is indeed reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes (see "The Mentalist" if you want to play the modern). At two, and despite the fact that they get along just like cats and dogs, they will manage to clarify many mysteries. Add to this well-drawn characters, good as bad, even very bad, an erotic peak (our young heroine discovers love, but also other more voluptuous pleasures) and a hint of own violence that dark period. In short, this is a very good book that I highly recommend to those who like me love history but also feelings.
