The Deceived Ones

"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