A smart, engaging novel that parallels two fascinating worlds and two singular women-Reyn writes beautifully. Jess Walter, author of the New York Times bestseller, Beautiful Ruins If only we could meet our historical counterparts. Reyn does just that, aligning a Russian art specialist in contemporary New York and Catherine the Great. The dual narratives make for an imaginative, thrilling, and exquisite novel. Kaui Hart Hemmings, New York Times bestselling author of The Descendants Reyn is a wonderful writer - witty and compassionate, lyrical and sharp - a deeply intelligent and expansive book. I loved it. Molly Antopol, author of The UnAmericans, nominated for the National Book Award and finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize Prepare to be absorbed and transported. Elin Hilderbrand, bestselling author of The Rumor Nothing less than masterful and reminiscent of Mantel's finest work, this is the most satisfying novel I've read in a long, long time. Katie Crouch, New York Times bestselling author of Girls in Trucks and Abroad Dazzling and insanely ambitious. Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of The Russian Debutante's Handbook