The Mirrored World: A Novel
&#8220;In her excellent second novel, THE MIRRORED WORLD, Debra Dean has composed a resonant and compelling tale. . . . Dean&#8217;s writing is superb; she uses imagery natural to the story and an earlier time.&#8221; (Seattle Times)&#8220;For those familiar with the story of St. Xenia, this is a gratifying take on a compelling woman. For others, Dean&#8217;s vivid prose and deft pacing make for a quick and entertaining read.&#8221; (Publishers Weekly)&#8220;Love affairs, rivalries, intrigues, prophecy, cross-dressing, madness, sorrow, poverty&#151;THE MIRRORED WORLD is a litany of both the homely and the miraculous. Intimate and richly appointed, Debra Dean&#8217;s Imperial St. Petersburg is as sumptuous and enchanted as the Winter Palace.&#8221; (Stewart O&#8217;Nan, bestselling author ofLast Night at the Lobster)&#8220;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&#8217;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?&#8221; (Ann Hood, bestselling author of The Knitting Circle)&#8220;With evocative, rich prose and deep emotional resonance, Debra Dean delivers a compelling and captivating story that touches the soul. Truly a wonderful read.&#8221; (Garth Stein, bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain)&#8220;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&#8217;s most revered and mysterious holy figures, in a richly told and thought-provoking work of historical fiction.&#8221; (Bookreporter.com)&#8220;Dean&#8217;s novel grows more profound and affecting with every page.&#8221; (Booklist)&#8220;In Debra Dean&#8217;s skilled hands, history comes alive. . . . Though the world she creates is harsh and cold at times, it is the warmth at its center&#151; the power of love &#151; that stays with you in the end.&#8221; (Miami Herald)