The Shadow Land A Novel

A compelling and complex mystery, strong storytelling, and lyrical writing combine for an engrossing read. Publishers Weekly

In The Shadow Land, Elizabeth Kostova, a master storyteller, brings vividly to life an unfamiliar country Bulgaria and a painful history that feels particularly relevant now. You won t want to put down this remarkable book. Claire Messud, author of The Woman Upstairs

In this brilliant work, what appears at first a minor mystery quickly becomes emblematic of a whole country s hidden history. Lyrical and compelling, The Shadow Land proves a profound meditation on how evil is inflicted, endured, and, through courage and compassion, defeated. Elizabeth Kostova s third novel clearly establishes her as one of America s finest writers. Ron Rash, author of The Risen

The Shadow Land is thrilling, and not just as a gripping tale. It s also thrilling to watch such a talented writer cast her spell. The central character actually begins this deft novel in an urn, only to emerge as one of the most memorable characters I ve encountered in a long time. Richard Russo, author of Everybody s Fool

Transporting . . . draws us into Bulgarian history and character revelation like an elegant, mysterious labyrinth. Page-turning, evocative, and richly imagined. Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos

Praise for Elizabeth Kostova s The Historian

Quite extraordinary . . . Kostova is a natural storyteller. . . . She has refashioned the vampire myth into a compelling contemporary novel, a late-night page-turner. San Francisco Chronicle

Hypnotic . . . a thrill ride through history. The Denver Post

Part thriller, part history, part romance . . . Kostova has a keen sense of storytelling and she has a marvelous story to tell. Baltimore Sun

Kostova s vampire is no campy Lugosi knockoff. . . . Blending history and myth, Kostova has fashioned a version so fresh that when a stake is finally driven through a heart, it inspires the tragic shock of something happening for the very first time. Newsweek

Praise for The Swan Thieves

Exquisite. The Boston Globe

Engrossing. O: The Oprah Magazine

Stunning . . . A beautifully written tale of art, love and an obsession triggered by both. Associated Press