Author(s): Debra Dean

General

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.