The Siren and the Star
The Siren and the Star by Colby Cedar Smith is a novel-in-verse published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on October 28, 2025. This 352-page book explores the journey of Luciana “Lula” Gabroni, a young singer who, after a traumatic experience, travels to Venice. There, she discovers the work of 17th-century composer Barbara Strozzi, forging a connection that transcends time and circumstance.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines the lives of Lula and Barbara, highlighting themes of ambition, resilience, and the struggle for self-expression. As Lula navigates her own challenges at the New England Conservatory of Music, she draws inspiration from Barbara’s defiance against societal constraints. This edition delves into the realms of writing, literature, and social issues, offering insights into the artistic journey and the power of music as a means of reclaiming one’s voice.
Official synopsis Publisher
A promising young singer recovers from a traumatic experience by traveling to Venice and connecting with the work of a 17th-century female composer in this gorgeous and sensual novel-in-verse from the acclaimed author of Call Me Athena.
Introverted and homeschooled, vocal prodigy Luciana “Lula” Gabroni is ready to become the star she’s trained all her life to be. After entering the New England Conservatory of Music, she is immediately chosen to join an elite ensemble of peers who will compete in a prestigious music festival in modern-day Venice, Italy.
Barbara Strozzi is a poor young woman living in 17th-century Venice who dreams of making her mark on the world through her gift of song. She is determined to fight against the prescribed path of an illegitimate servant girl, daring to envision a life filled with intellect, pleasure, and independence—even as the restrictions of her gender and status threaten to silence her forever.
When Lula comes across Barbara’s bold and seductive music in the Conservatory library, she immediately feels a striking kinship with the mysterious female composer. After an incident at school sends Lula searching to reclaim her voice, she soon realizes she must connect with the ghosts of the past to find her heart’s true song once again.
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