3.0 out of 5 stars - a story of Russia's "holy fool"

This novel, set in 18th century Russia, is a reconstruction of the life and times of St. Xenia. She was born into the lower nobility and marries the love of her life during the extravagant years of the royal court in St. Petersburg. Tragedy strikes and Xenia leaves her home and possessions to lead a life of a mad fool caring for the poor and sick in the slums surrounding the city. She has a gift of foretelling the future and is both loved and feared by the royal court and the people she moves among in her elusive way.

I found this to be terribly depressing, but beautifully written. It's quite short at only 240+ pages and a quick read. It left me with vague feelings of disquiet and I can't say it's a book I'd recommend to anyone unless he/she is particularly interested in Russian religious figures or wants a brief glimpse into court life during that time period. Mostly I felt the coldness of the climate and the sadness and futility of life. Definitely not a beach read!