SEPTEMBER 2012 - AudioFile
Xenia, patron saint of St. Petersburg, was born into the Russian upper classes in the early eighteenth century. Thus, when she gave all her material goods to the poor after being widowed in her early 20s, her family questioned her sanity; undaunted, Xenia devoted her life to helping the unfortunate. Narrator Yelena Shmulenson's subtle native accent signals the setting of the novel without distracting listeners from the well-researched details of life in the Russian court and Xenia's prophecies and deeds. Shmulenson's emotional range easily spans the story, from the excitement of balls to the horror of sudden death. Especially impressive is her performance of Xenia's transformation from courtier to holy fool, which allows listeners to decide whether the saint went mad from grief or was truly called by God. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
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
Garth Stein
With evocative, rich prose and deep emotional resonance, Debra Dean delivers a compelling and captivating story that touches the soul. Truly a wonderful read.
Ann Hood
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?
Stewart O’Nan
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.
Booklist
Dean’s novel grows more profound and affecting with every page.
Miami Herald
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.
Seattle Times
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.
Bookreporter.com
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.
Miami Herald
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.
Booklist
Dean’s novel grows more profound and affecting with every page.
Stewart O’Nan
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
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.
SEPTEMBER 2012 - AudioFile
Xenia, patron saint of St. Petersburg, was born into the Russian upper classes in the early eighteenth century. Thus, when she gave all her material goods to the poor after being widowed in her early 20s, her family questioned her sanity; undaunted, Xenia devoted her life to helping the unfortunate. Narrator Yelena Shmulenson's subtle native accent signals the setting of the novel without distracting listeners from the well-researched details of life in the Russian court and Xenia's prophecies and deeds. Shmulenson's emotional range easily spans the story, from the excitement of balls to the horror of sudden death. Especially impressive is her performance of Xenia's transformation from courtier to holy fool, which allows listeners to decide whether the saint went mad from grief or was truly called by God. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
