Catherynne M Valente

Catherynne M. Valente's novel Deathless is an alternate history work that weaves together elements of the Russian fairy tale "The Death of Koschei the Deathless" with the historical backdrop of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. The narrative centers on Marya Morevna, charting her transformation from a young observer of revolutionary upheaval to the bride of Koschei, the immortal Tsar of Life.

The story unfolds across six parts, primarily from Marya's perspective, though other characters like Ivan Tsarevich are featured. Marya's early life in Saint Petersburg is marked by witnessing magical occurrences and learning about the existence of Tsars and Tsarinas who govern various aspects of reality, including Likho, the Tsarina of the Length of an Hour. Her destiny intertwines with Koschei, a figure who has hidden his death, leading her to the opulent isle of Buyan. There, she navigates challenges set by Baba Yaga and learns of Koschei's past wives, vowing to forge a different path. The narrative progresses through supernatural conflicts, personal relationships, and a profound sense of disenchantment that affects the magical and mythical elements of Russia.

Deathless reimagines the Russian fairy tale of Koschei the Deathless within the tumultuous context of the Russian Revolution. The protagonist, Marya Morevna, experiences a world where magic and myth coexist with political upheaval. She encounters figures from folklore, such as domovoi and Likho, the Tsarina of the Length of an Hour, who embodies misfortune. Her marriage to Koschei, a Tsar of Life who cannot die because he has concealed his death, transports her to the magical isle of Buyan. This setting serves as a stage for her interactions with magical beings and her confrontation with Baba Yaga, the Tsarina of Night, and Viy, the Tsar of Death, highlighting the interplay between ancient mythologies and the changing social landscape.

Marya's journey through Deathless is characterized by a complex relationship with Koschei and subsequent entanglements with Ivan Tsarevich. After a supernatural war against Viy, Marya finds herself in a mundane life with Ivan, which eventually sours amidst hardship. Koschei's reappearance leads to further complications, culminating in a dreamlike interlude where Marya gives birth to a daughter embodying Koschei's death, which she then destroys. Upon awakening, she learns that this entire experience was a dream within an egg containing Koschei's hidden death. The novel concludes with a world seemingly stripped of its magic, where fairytale figures have become ordinary, reflecting a profound process of disenchantment brought about by revolution and war.

Catherynne M. Valente's prose in Deathless has been lauded for its quality, drawing comparisons to her previous work, Palimpsest. Critics have noted the novel's thematic ambition, likening its exploration of Russia's mythic and historical identity to Susanna Clarke's treatment of England in Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. While some reviews have pointed to narrative complexity, suggesting the plot can be dense due to its many thematic threads, the novel is recognized for showcasing Valente's distinctive writing style and literary strengths, offering a unique perspective on folklore and historical transformation.