The Deceived Ones

by Judith Krummeck

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 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 Not only that, his muse, Isabella, has inexplicably withdrawn from all performing.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. In this love-quadrangle seen from multiple points of view—some poignant, some hilarious—the myriad misconceptions that result from Vira’s deception are woven into themes of migration, sexuality, and diversity.

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegant is a word I thought often while reading The Deceived Ones. Not only because of the backdrop of the work of classical musicians in Baltimore, but the measured emotions of each character.

A tale of mistaken identity as Vira hides behind her brother's identity after she is recently in Baltimore as a refugee in the Uniting for Ukraine program. That may be a mouthful, but I promise you will be furiously turning pages to find out of Vira and her brother will reunite, and if the musicians Vira stumbles upon collaborating with will figure out her true identity.

[Lauren Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Krummeck puts a new spin on Twelfth Night with her new book. Both devastating and witty, she weaves in the age-old disguise trick with her expertise in music and the oh-so-relevant issue of the war in Ukraine and its refugees. My favorite of her books to date.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*
it would be a 4* but the end was a bit rushed for me

[Barb Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in a long time!

[Joan Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A person who knows music would like it better than I did. The story wasn’t the best.