I really enjoyed this book, which had been sitting on my shelves a while. I had previously liked Dean's The Madonnas of Leningrad, and this was a good book for me to read now, historical fiction that didn't remind me too much of current events.

Dean has a nice style, writing about historical events as if they were contemporary, and not over-explaining. This is a fictionalized account of St. Xenia (c. 1719–1730 – c. 1803). I didn't know anything about St Xenia, but was familiar with the era from reading Massie's Catherine the Great. Xenia was born into minor nobility, and married Colonel Andrey Fyodorovich Petrov. When he died in an accident, she mourned extravagantly, and became a "fool for Christ," giving away her belongings and living in the streets of St. Petersburg, where apparently she became a beloved character thought to bring blessings on those she encountered.

This book is narrated by a close relative (a fictional character, I believe) which allows a contrast between Xenia's emotionalism and spirituality, and that of a more conventional young woman. (who nonetheless ends up with an unconventional life, highlighting the narrow life options available for women in this time and place.) The book raises a lot of issues about religiosity, marriage, parenting, and social roles, but never tells the reader what to think. ( )

The Mirrored World is a truly captivating read. The writing is elegant and classical, almost poetic. This enhances the mystical setting of 18th century Russia, a time and place that I know very little about. Debra Dean's writing easily connects the reader to the characters. Their life circumstances are thoroughly developed, allowing true emotion to be felt by the reader. The historical accuracies are interlaced well throughout this engaging story. This has inspired me to learn more about St. Petersburg and its rich history. ( )

1790's Russian court - good holiday read to escape to a different world ( )

I recently finished The Mirrored World and loved it. Dasha and Xenia are remarkable characters. Their joy, suffering and transformation profoundly mirrors the human experience. Thank you Ms. Dean, for creating such a meaningful story. ( )

I enjoyed this book more for the historical aspect than any other element.  This book tells the story of St. Xenia of Russia through the eyes of her cousin, who loves her dearly.  The story of their relationship and how Xenia's descent into madness affects her was well-written even if it was a tad two-dimensional at times.  What I really enjoyed was the depiction of life in St. Petersburg during the life of Empress Elizabeth and the rise of Catherine the Great.  This world in Russia, with all of its political turmoil, was extremely fascinating and made the book worth reading.   This book was a goodreads giveaway. ( )