The Deceived Ones
by Judith Krummeck
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Pub Date May 07 2024 | Archive Date Jun 30 2024
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Description
Displaced by the Russian invasion, Vira, carrying little but her precious viola da gamba, is a refugee in the Uniting for Ukraine program. When she is physically attacked soon after her arrival in the United States, the terrifying experience prompts her to hide in plain sight by passing as her twin, Sevastyan, until he is able to join her.
Orson has been commissioned to write an opera for The Twelfth Night Festival, but he is suffering from composer’s block. Not only that, his muse, Isabella, has inexplicably withdrawn from all performing. During a chance meeting, Orson discovers the extraordinary musical talent of Vira, now passing as Sevastyan, and it gives him the jolt of inspiration he needs. Hoping that Isabella will be as intrigued as he is, Orson sends “Sevastyan” as his emissary to persuade Isabella to sing in his opera.
Vira’s deception incites a hilarious myriad of misconceptions, resulting in a tangled love quadrangle which becomes even more convoluted when the real Sevastyan comes looking for his sister.
Advance Praise
"A captivating, beautifully written novel about passion and exile, devoted siblings and new lovers, and the unifying enchantment of music. The exquisitely human, bighearted characters of THE DECEIVED ONES will stay with you long after you read the last page." —Jane Delury, author of Hedge and The Balcony
"The Deceived Ones is a delightful homage to Twelfth Night and the latest literary triumph from Judith Krummeck, who effortlessly weaves a romantic tale abounding with art, geopolitics, and contemporary life in all its tragic, beautiful glory." —Ben Tanzer, author of UPSTATE, Orphans, and Be Cool
"A moving yet understated novel of love and loss, international politics, and the timeless power of music, The Deceived Ones, like a great song, demands our attention right now... " —Betsy Boyd, author and program director, M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts, University of Baltimore
"With exquisite prose and unforgettable characters, Judith Krummeck’s debut novel, The Deceived Ones, offers a multifaceted look at love, loss, longing—and the power of human connection. In the wake of the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this novel entangles such themes as migration, adaptation, deception, sexuality, diversity, human connection, and the influence of music as a universal language. Don’t be deceived: this novel will pluck your heartstrings and have you humming its inspired tune long after you turn the final page." —Eric D. Goodman, author of Tracks: A Novel in Stories and Setting the Family Free
"Judith Krummeck has taken the charming, soulful plot of Twelfth Night and transformed it into a believably contemporary story, immersing it in the fascinating backdrop of premier classical music and composition. As a Shakespeare lover, while I knew the outlines of the plot, I delighted in the journey, the adaptation of the story, and the choices the author made in getting us there. An enjoyable twist on a familiar tale and a compelling take on a world I didn’t know." —Lesley Malin, Producing Executive Director, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781627205290 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 248 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
mara l, Reviewer
As the characters confront their misconceptions and desires, "Notes of Deception" transcends the boundaries of a conventional love story, evolving into a nuanced exploration of the human experience in the face of displacement and the universal language of music. The author's adept storytelling weaves together diverse elements, resulting in a resonant and multifaceted narrative that engages readers both emotionally and intellectually.
Jacqueline J, Reviewer
Vira Blyzinska fled to Poland from her home in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. She brought little with her except for her viola da gamba. Unfortunately, her twin brother, Sevastyan, stayed behind to serve in the military. That said, they managed to communicate almost daily.
Due to the Uniting For Ukraine program, Vira was able to fly to Baltimore in the U.S. After her arrival, she is attacked by thugs, and her belongings, including her phone, are stolen. How will Sevastyan know how to contact her? Since she feels victimized as a woman, she takes on her twin’s identity.
She gets a job cleaning for composer, Orson, who has been commissioned to direct an opera for the Twelfth Night Festival. He is blocked creatively as his muse, singer Isabella Foiani, has refused to sing in the opera. Once Orson discovers Vira’s (who he thinks is Sevastyan) talent, he asks her opinions on the musical arrangements. More importantly he believes that Vira (Sevastyan) can persuade Isabella to join the opera. As each relationship develops, we learn the potential harm that this deception could cause. In the back of our minds, we still wonder if the twins will ever reunite.
The Deceived Ones takes its title from Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, "Twelfth Night". Each character is fascinating and completely fleshed out. Maybe this novel takes too much from other stories incorporating gender deception, but the contemporary issues of crime, immigration, xenophobia, and cultural diversity make it an engaging read.
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