The Fabergé Girl

by Ina Christova

PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 2024 | EAST-WEST | HARBACK | £10.00

“I grew up with stories about Fabergé eggs, and the history and folklore of the region. But whilst Carl Fabergé was, of course, an impressive and eccentric figure in his own right, I really wanted to shine a light on an incredible woman who achieved so much more than many women did at the time.”

- Ina Christova

1909, St Petersburg. Seventeen-year-old Alma longs to work at the legendary House of Fabergé, with its talented artisans, winding staircases, secret golden elevator, and glasshouse of tropical plants. But instead, Alma must sketch quietly in her room, inspired by magical visions that could have her accused of witchcraft, whilst her domineering brother presents her designs as his own.

But then comes an opportunity. With the help of a Finnish artisan Knut, she attracts the attention of Carl Fabergé himself and is given a job at the House of Fabergé. Alma’s creations attract widespread acclaim, and her star is on the rise. But the world around her is increasingly divided, as the Revolution creeps ever nearer. Alma will be forced to decide what matters most to her. Can love, art and beauty survive such hatred and violence?

At once a poignant love story, a magical coming of age tale and a haunting and evocative account of one of Russia’s darkest periods of history, Ina Christova’s transporting debut is based on the incredible true story of Alma Pihl, the only female jewellery designer at the House of Fabergé and her journey during the age of silver culture in St Petersburg.

“An enchanting and exquisitely crafted novel, bearing witness to one of the most seminal turning points in Russia’s history.”

- Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker’s Gift

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ina Christova is a Bulgarian writer. When not travelling around the world, she splits her time between London and Oxford. She completed an MA in English and German Literature where she was the recipient of the Eleanor Boyle and Kathleen Major prizes for her writing. Ina’s work has been longlisted for the Blue Pencil First Novel Awards and it won this year’s Novel London Literary Competition. The first draft of The Fabergé Girl was completed on the selective Curtis Brown Creative Course in London.