The Mirrored World: A Novel

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Description

Xenia is a free spirit who seems blessed with second sight: her cousin Dasha is more cautious and sensible. When the two come out into society, Dasha watches from afar as her friend plunges into marriage and motherhood. But when a tragic vision comes true, Xenia withdraws into grief and undergoes a profound transformation. She gives away all her possessions to the poor, and then vanishes. In this elegantly written tale, Dean re-imagines the intriguing life of Xenia of St. Petersburg, one of Russia's most mysterious and beloved holy figures.

Reviews

"In her excellent second novel, THE MIRRORED WORLD, Debra Dean has composed a resonant and compelling tale. . . . Dean's writing is superb; she uses imagery natural to the story and an earlier time." -- Seattle Times

"For those familiar with the story of St. Xenia, this is a gratifying take on a compelling woman. For others, Dean's vivid prose and deft pacing make for a quick and entertaining read." -- Publishers Weekly

"Love affairs, rivalries, intrigues, prophecy, cross-dressing, madness, sorrow, poverty--THE MIRRORED WORLD is a litany of both the homely and the miraculous. Intimate and richly appointed, Debra Dean's Imperial St. Petersburg is as sumptuous and enchanted as the Winter Palace." -- Stewart O'Nan, bestselling author of Last Night at the Lobster

"THE MIRRORED WORLD explores the mysteries of love and grief and devotion. Against a vivid backdrop of eighteenth century St. Petersburg and Catherine the Great's royal court, the woman who would become St. Xenia is brought fully to life. Is there a more imaginative, elegant storyteller than Debra Dean" -- Ann Hood, bestselling author of The Knitting Circle

"With evocative, rich prose and deep emotional resonance, Debra Dean delivers a compelling and captivating story that touches the soul. Truly a wonderful read." -- Garth Stein, bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

"Transporting readers to St. Petersburg during the reign of Catherine the Great, Dean brilliantly reconstructs and reimagines the life of St. Xenia, one of Russia's most revered and mysterious holy figures, in a richly told and thought-provoking work of historical fiction." -- Bookreporter.com

"Dean's novel grows more profound and affecting with every page." -- Booklist

"In Debra Dean's skilled hands, history comes alive. . . . Though the world she creates is harsh and cold at times, it is the warmth at its center-- the power of love -- that stays with you in the end." -- Miami Herald

Author Bio

Debra Dean worked as an actor in the New York theatre for nearly a decade before opting for the life of a writer. She lives with her husband in Seattle, where she teaches literature and writing. Her first novel was The Madonnas of Leningrad.